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Scratchjr Maths

Where is ordinal numbers hiding in ScratchJr race stories?

Use first, second and third as characters cross a finish line.

Quick answer

Ordinal numbers like first, second, and third help us describe the position or order of things. In ScratchJr race stories, these numbers show which character finishes in which place, helping children understand order and position in a fun, visual way.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how ordinal numbers help describe the order of things in a race story, and you can use words like first, second, and third to tell the story of a race. Success signs:
  • You can say which place a character finished in a race (first, second, third).
  • You can use ordinal numbers to describe the order of things in a story.
  • You can help a friend understand the order of characters in a race.
  • You can create your own race story using ordinal numbers.

Why this matters

Ordinal numbers help us understand where things are in a list or sequence. In a race, we need to know who finishes first, second, or third. This skill helps with reading stories, understanding directions, and even playing games. In ScratchJr, we use ordinal numbers to show how characters move and finish races, making our stories more exciting and clear.

How it works

Ordinal numbers tell us the order of things. In a race, we say:
  1. Who finishes first?
  2. Who finishes second?
  3. Who finishes third?
Ordinal numbers are used in everyday life:
  • “I am first in line.”
  • “She came second in the race.”
  • “He finished third in the school quiz.”
In ScratchJr, we can make characters move and finish in order. Each character can be given a position, like “first”, “second”, or “third”. We can use these words to tell the story of the race.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine a race with three characters: a cat, a dog, and a rabbit.
Position Character Ordinal Number
1st Cat First
2nd Dog Second
3rd Rabbit Third
You can draw or build this race story with your toys or blocks. Place the cat in first place, the dog in second place, and the rabbit in third place. Then, tell the story: “The cat finishes first in the race. The dog finishes second. The rabbit finishes third.” You can also use ordinal numbers in a story about a birthday party:
  • “The cake is first on the table.”
  • “The balloons are second.”
  • “The gift box is third.”

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s create a race story together! Adventure: Race with Ordinal Numbers You are the storyteller of a race. Your job is to describe who finishes in which place. Here’s your adventure: 1st time: You choose three characters for your race. They could be animals, toys, or even your friends. 2nd time: You decide who finishes first in the race. 3rd time: You decide who finishes second in the race. 4th time: You decide who finishes third in the race. 5th time: You tell the story using ordinal numbers. Example story: “First, the duck finished the race. Second, the pig came after the duck. Third, the sheep finished last.” Now, you try it! Draw your race, or act it out with toys, and tell your story.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Saying “first” instead of “first place” or “second” instead of “second place”.
    Why it happens: Children might not know that ordinal numbers describe a place or position.
    Fix: Practice saying “first place”, “second place”, and “third place” to show the exact position.
  • Mistake: Mixing up the order of characters.
    Why it happens: It can be tricky to remember which number comes next in order.
    Fix: Use a visual list or draw a line with positions marked 1st, 2nd, 3rd to help remember.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to use ordinal numbers in a story.
    Why it happens: Children might not understand that ordinal numbers make stories clearer.
    Fix: Start with simple sentences and ask: “Who finishes first? Who finishes second?”

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child understand ordinal numbers in a race story by:
  • Playing a race game with your child. Use toys or even your family members to act out who finishes first, second, and third.
  • Reading books or watching videos where characters finish races and use ordinal numbers. Ask questions like, “Who finished first?”
  • Using ordinal numbers in daily life. For example, “You are first in line”, or “The red car is second in the row.”
  • Encouraging your child to tell a race story with ordinal numbers. Let them be the storyteller and use words like first, second, and third.
  • Practising with a simple chart or drawing of a race with positions marked 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
It’s okay if your child makes mistakes. Learning ordinal numbers is about practice and repetition. Keep it fun and encouraging!

Practice questions

  1. Who finishes first in a race? Answer: The character who reaches the finish line first.
  2. What is the ordinal number for the character who finishes second? Answer: Second.
  3. Which ordinal number comes after “second”? Answer: Third.
  4. If a character finishes in the third place, what ordinal number is that? Answer: Third.
  5. What word tells us the character who comes last in a race? Answer: Third.

FAQ

What are ordinal numbers?

Ordinal numbers are words like first, second, third, and so on. They tell us the order or position of something.

How do ordinal numbers help in ScratchJr?

In ScratchJr, we use ordinal numbers to show who finishes a race in which place. This makes our stories more exciting and clear.

Can I use ordinal numbers in everyday life?

Yes! You can use ordinal numbers to describe the order of things, like who finishes first in a race or which toy is first in line.

How can I help my child learn ordinal numbers?

You can play games, read stories, or act out races with your child. Ask questions like, “Who finishes first?” or “Who is second?”

What if my child gets confused with ordinal numbers?

It’s normal to get confused at first. Practice with simple examples, use drawings or toys, and be patient. Repetition and fun help children learn.