I Spy Game:
As promised, here is another fun and easy idea for teaching ordinal numbers! Simply run off the template on construction paper.
Laminate the strips and cut them out on a paper cutter. Have students write their name on the back and use as a bookmark or pointer when not using for ordinal number instruction.
Play "I Spy An Ordinal Number!" using the strips. Children can simply use their finger and point to the number or you can pass out an M&M, Skittle or Smartie piece of candy and have them use it as a manipulative.
Call on a quiet child and have them choose an ordinal number for the students to place their candy on. This is a wonderful way to whole group assess.
Because children are looking at the number, as well as the number word, they are continuously seeing those pairs together and via repetition through this fun game, they will soon be reading ordinal number words!
After all of the numbers have been called, students can eat their manipulative as a yummy reward for their endeavors.
Click on the link to view/print the ordinal number line.
Ordinal Number Flashcards:
Print off the flashcards and have your students continue to identify the words with their number counter parts, or make a duplicate set and turn them into a Memory Match game, or run off copies for your students to trace and cut out, assembling the cards into an Itty Bitty booklet!
After you have done a few of these things, your students are sure to understand ordinal numbers. Reward them with a certificate of praise.
Click on the links to view/print a set of traceable ordinal number flashcards and an ordinal number certificate of praise.
Extra Teachable Moment Tips:
Whenever I explain and model things to my students I always use ordinal numbers. i.e., First we are going to do this. Second we are going to do this etc.
When I put tabletop lessons on the board in the morning, I label them 1st 2nd and 3rd etc.
Give each of your students 6 different colors of unifix cubes. Using ordinal numbers as directional clues, have your students place the various colored cubes on each other making a tower. i.e., "First pick up a green cube. Second place it on the bottom of a white cube. Third put a blue cube on top of the green cube etc." This activity not only helps review ordinal numbers, but reinforces listening and following spatial directions as well.
Do you have a teaching tip you'd like to share? I'd enjoy hearing from you! diane@teachwithme.com
