Ordering Numbers 0-10

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Use the vocabulary cards and glossary to define key words from the text. Hold up the cards one at a time, say the word aloud, and ask students to turn and talk to share what they think it means or if they have heard the word before. Invite students to share out and provide definitions as needed.
• Read the book aloud, pausing as you read to think aloud, noticing how the numbers are ordered.
• Have students turn and talk to share with a partner answers to the following questions: "Do you think the numbers go on the train in a special way? Which number came first? How about last?" Review the images from the book showing the animals on each page.
• Point to the number line and say, "This is called a number line. It helps us keep track as we count."
• Model counting aloud from 0-10, pointing to each number on the number line.
• Explain to students that when counting, there is always an order. Define order is the arrangement of things in a particular pattern or sequence. Tell students that when counting, we say each number in order from the smallest number to the greatest or biggest number."
• Place the numbers 0, 2, 1, 3 on the board (using the numbers from the worksheet).
• Point to the numbers and say, "Can you help me count these numbers?"
• Have the students echo-count the numbers, then pause and say something like, "This sounds funny. Is this the way the numbers are supposed to go?"
• Model using the number line to find and count the numbers in the correct order. Move the numbers into the matching sequence on the board, then recount the numbers aloud to check the order.
• Use the vocabulary cards to define greatest and smallest. Point to 0 and say, "This is the smallest number on our number line. See how it is all the way to left?" Point to the number 10 and say, "This is the biggest number on the line. It is all the way to the right."

Guided Practice

• Put students in groups of 3 and give each group a small baggie of number cards with numbers 1-5 and a number line. Students should put the cards in order from least to greatest.
• Review that in this group of numbers, 1 is the least and must start all the way to the left.
• Repeat process with the remaining numbers.

Group work time

• Display the Ordering Numbers to 10 worksheet and go over the instructions.
• Explain that students will be working with a partner, but will each have their own worksheet.
• Students will cut out the numbers.
• Students will place the numbers in the correct order on the squares.
• Students will check with their partner to see if their order is correct.
• Students will glue the numbers on their paper.
• Pair students together and pass out materials.