# Lesson 87: Ordering numbers

🧮 MATH (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Numbers and Counting

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## Objective

I can put numbers in order from smallest to greatest and from greatest to smallest. I can use words like first, middle, last, smallest, and greatest.

## Materials

- Number cards or sticky notes with numbers (0–20 or 0–50)
- Strip of paper or string to act as a number line
- Pencil and notebook or scrap paper

## Mini-lesson — What does it mean to order numbers?

When you order numbers, you line them up so they make sense. You can order from smallest to greatest or from greatest to smallest.

Smallest to greatest

- The smallest number comes first.
- The greatest number comes last.
- Example: 4, 9, 2 in order → 2, 4, 9.

Greatest to smallest

- The greatest number comes first.
- The smallest number comes last.
- Example: 4, 9, 2 in order → 9, 4, 2.

Using a number line

- A number line shows numbers in order.
- Numbers on the left are smaller.
- Numbers on the right are greater.

To order numbers, you can look at the number line, think about tens and ones, or compare two numbers at a time: which is smaller, which is greater?

Picture strip: Number line and ordered cards

Number line

Number cards in order

## Guided Practice — Put number cards in order

You will use number cards or small pieces of paper with numbers on them. First, you line them up on your table. Then you use the tracing pad to write the most important order words.

1. Make 4 number cards: Choose four numbers from 0–20 (for example 3, 7, 12, 19) and write one number on each card.
2. Order from smallest to greatest: Move the cards so they go from the smallest number to the greatest number.
3. Read them out loud: Point and say the numbers in order, like “3, 7, 12, 19”.
4. Order from greatest to smallest: Now turn your row around so the greatest number comes first. Read the numbers again.
5. Write in your notebook: Copy your two orders: one line for smallest → greatest and one line for greatest → smallest.
6. Use the tracing pad: Choose two words that match what you did (for example, small and great) and trace them on the pad. You can also trace one of your numbers, like 12 or 19.
7. Add a tiny picture: Next to the word small, draw a tiny dot near the left. Next to great, draw a dot near the right, like a little number line.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Practice 1 — Ordering numbers on a number line

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 1]

## Practice 2 — Smallest to greatest

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 2]

## Practice 3 — Greatest to smallest

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 3]

## Quick Check — Ordering numbers

Answer each question about putting numbers in order. You may look back at the mini-lesson or your number line.

1) Which order is from smallest to greatest?

2, 5, 9 9, 5, 2 5, 2, 9
The numbers go up: 2, then 5, then 9.

2) Which order is from greatest to smallest?

1, 3, 7 3, 1, 7 7, 3, 1
The numbers go down: 7, then 3, then 1.

3) On a number line, the smallest number is usually:

In the middle On the left On the right
On the number line, numbers grow as you go right.

4) Which is the greatest number?

8 5 12
12 is more than 8 and 5.

5) Which is the smallest number?

3 10 6
3 is less than 6 and 10.

6) Put 4, 1, 7 in order from smallest to greatest.

4, 7, 1 1, 4, 7 7, 4, 1
1 is smallest, then 4, then 7.

7) Put 6, 9, 2 in order from greatest to smallest.

2, 6, 9 2, 9, 6 9, 6, 2
9 is greatest, then 6, then 2.

8) Which list is already in order from smallest to greatest?

11, 12, 13 13, 11, 12 12, 13, 11
11, 12, 13 go up by 1.

9) You see 5, 15, 10. Which number is in the middle if you order from smallest to greatest?

5 10 15
Order is 5, 10, 15 so 10 is in the middle.

10) Which list is in order from greatest to smallest?

2, 4, 6 4, 6, 2 6, 4, 2
6, 4, 2 go down.

11) On a number line from 0 to 20, which is closest to 0?

1 9 15
1 is nearest to 0, so it is smallest.

12) You order 3, 8, 6 from smallest to greatest. What is the last number?

3 8 6
Order is 3, 6, 8 so 8 is last.

13) Why do we order numbers?

To make them random To hide the smallest one To see which is smallest and which is greatest
Ordering helps us compare numbers quickly.

14) Which words help you talk about order?

first, middle, last circle, square, star red, blue, green
First, middle, and last describe a line of ordered numbers.

15) You see the order 4, 6, 8, 10. Which number would come next if you keep going?

9 12 14
The pattern goes up by 2, so 10 + 2 = 12.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Student can order a small set of numbers from smallest to greatest. Student can order a small set of numbers from greatest to smallest. Student can use a number line to think about order. Student uses words like smallest, greatest, first, and last correctly. Student can explain how they know which number comes next in a simple list.

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can order numbers easily. 🙂 I can order some numbers but still need more practice. 😅 Ordering numbers still feels tricky for me.

#### Next time I will practise…

Putting 3 or 4 numbers in order from smallest to greatest Putting 3 or 4 numbers in order from greatest to smallest Using a number line to help me see order
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