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Dates and Positional Numbers

Learn how words like first, second, third and last help show order in dates, races and instructions, so your KS1 writing stays clear, neat and easy.

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Fascinating Fact:

Use first, next, then, last to show order in stories and instructions, like “First put on shoes, then zip your coat.”

In KS1 English, children learn to use positional and ordinal words to show order. These words help write dates correctly and explain steps so readers can follow instructions easily.

Key Terms

Ordinal number: A number that shows position, like 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Positional word: A word such as first, next or last that tells the order of events.
Sequence: The order in which things happen or should be done.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are positional and ordinal words in KS1?

Positional and ordinal words are used to show order. Examples include first, second, third, next and last. They help explain when things happen or which place something is in.

How do ordinal numbers help with writing dates?

Ordinal numbers like 1st, 2nd and 3rd show the position of the day in the month, for example 4th June or 21st October, making dates clear for the reader.

How can I teach first, next, then, last to KS1 children?

Ask children to order everyday tasks, like getting dressed or making a sandwich, and use first, next, then and last to explain each step in a simple sentence.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

Which positional number is not correct?

19th

23nd

51st

93rd

Remember, we only add the 'st', 'nd', 'rd' and 'th' when we are saying the position of something.

2 .

Which two letters do you add to four, six, seven to show your place?

We would also add 'th' to five but the word changes slightly to: fifth.

3 .

Which date is written correctly?

Monday, 1st May

Monday, first May

Monday, First May

Monday 1st of May

When we write the date, we use the number as a position and don't need to say 'of' a month.

4 .

Which positional number is correct?

53st

53rd

53th

53nd

Any time a number ends with a 3, we will write 'rd'.

5 .

Which positional number is correct?

21nd

21st

21th

21rd

Any number that has a 1 in the units column will have 'st' at the end of it; even 117,938,473,831 will be 117,938,473,831st.

6 .

If you won the race, you came?

once

one

first

ones

If you are number one, then we say first. Any time you say or write the number 1 it should be followed by 'st' - if you are talking about the position. Any number ending with 1 will have 'st', so twenty-first would be written like this: 21st.

7 .

Which date is written correctly?

Tuesday, 25rd December

Tuesday, 25st December

Tuesday, 25nd December

Tuesday, 25th December

For numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and the numbers between 10 and 20 we use 'th'.

8 .

If you came number three in the race, you were?

three

thrice

threes

third

Third is shown like this: 3rd. You would write 23rd, 33rd, 43rd etc.

9 .

If you came number two in the race you were?

two

twice

seconds

second

Make sure you say second, not seconds as that is a moment in time!

10 .

Which positional number is correct?

92nd

92th

92st

92rd

Any time the 2 is in the digit column, we always add a 'nd' if we are mentioning the place. If you say you love the number 92 then you don't need it but if you are talking about position then you do.

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Ordinal Numbers

Author: Finola Waller (MEd, Primary School Teacher & KS1 English Quiz Writer)