Ordinal Numbers Worksheets
These ordinal numbers worksheets help children aged 2 to 6 practise words and positions such as first, second, third, last and middle. They are free to print and include simple matching, colouring, tracing and counting tasks for home or classroom use.
Free account needed to download · 20 free downloads every day
Coming soon
Ordinal Numbers Worksheets are coming soon
Our team is drawing and testing these printables right now. Save this page or join free, and we'll let you know when they are ready to download.
At a glance
- Ages: 2 to 6 years
- Skills: Ordinal position and number words
- You need: Printer, paper and crayons
- Time: 10 to 15 minutes per sheet
A gentle introduction to order
The set begins with everyday position words such as first, last, next and middle. Younger children can point to the first object in a row, colour the last one or match a picture to a simple instruction. Older preschoolers can practise 1st, 2nd, 3rd and later positions, then connect ordinal words with numerals. Clear pictures, large spaces and short directions help children aged 2 to 6 work at a suitable level. An adult can read each instruction aloud while the child points, circles, colours or traces.
Ideas for home and class
Before using a sheet, line up three toys and ask your child which is first and which is last. In a classroom, children can stand in a short line and take turns naming their position, without making the activity about winning. Use toy cars, pencils or picture cards to act out each worksheet instruction. After the paper task, ask the child to place a spoon, cup and plate in a stated order. You can also pair children to read an instruction to one another, with an adult checking the answer.
Helping children avoid common mix-ups
Children often count objects correctly but name their position incorrectly. They may start counting from zero, confuse 2nd with two, or think the object at the end is always last when the row changes direction. Keep one finger under each object and count from the chosen starting side. Say, "This is the first object," then move along the row slowly. Show that first and last change when the objects are turned around, while the total number stays the same. For older children, connect 1st, 2nd and 3rd with first, second and third.
Lumi's tips
- Make it easier by using only three objects and practising first, next and last before introducing numerals.
- Make it harder by asking your child to identify the 5th or 6th object in a longer row and explain how they found it.
- Link the skill to real life by asking about the first step in getting ready, the second book on a shelf or the last person in a queue.
How to download and print
- Sign in or join free, it takes a few seconds.
- Choose a page and tap Download. Pick A4 or US Letter to match your paper.
- Open the PDF and print at "Actual size" (100%) so nothing is cut off.
- Your downloads stay in My Library, so you can print them again any time.
Questions parents ask
What are ordinal numbers?
Ordinal numbers show the position of something in a row or sequence. Examples include first, second, third, fourth and last.
When should children learn ordinal numbers?
Many children begin with first, last and middle during the preschool years. You can introduce 1st, 2nd and 3rd through toys, actions and short worksheets, then add higher positions as your child is ready.
How can I teach ordinal numbers at home?
Line up familiar objects or family members and ask simple questions such as, "Which is first?" and "Which comes third?" Change the direction of the line so your child learns to check the starting point.
Are these ordinal numbers worksheets free to download and print?
Most EarlyActivity printables are free to download with a free account. The PDFs work with A4 and US Letter paper, and you can print them at Actual size, or 100%.
What is the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers?
Cardinal numbers tell how many, such as five apples. Ordinal numbers tell position, such as the fifth apple.
More numbers
Before After Between Numbers
These before, after and between numbers worksheets help children aged 2 to 6 place numbers in the correct order. They are free to download and print for home or classroom practice.
Comparing Numbers Worksheets
These comparing numbers worksheets help children aged 2 to 6 decide which group or number has more, less or the same. They are free to print and suit early maths practice at home or in the classroom.
Expanded Form Worksheets
These expanded form worksheets help children split numbers into tens and ones, then write or match the parts that make each number. They suit early learners aged 2 to 6, with picture-based activities for younger children and simple number work for older children. The printables are free to print for home or classroom use.
Greater Than Less Than Worksheets
These greater than less than worksheets help children compare groups, numbers and simple quantities using pictures and the symbols >, < and =. They suit children aged 2 to 6 and are free to print for home or classroom practice.
Missing Numbers Worksheets
These missing numbers worksheets help children complete simple number sequences by writing the number that comes before, after or between other numbers. They suit children aged 2 to 6, with easier pages for early learners and more challenging sequences for children ready to count further. The worksheets are free to print for home or classroom use.
Number 10 Worksheets
These number 10 worksheets help children aged 2 to 6 practise recognising, tracing, counting and writing the number 10. They are free to download and print for use at home or in your own classroom.