This quick activity helps children think about the order of numbers 1 to 10.
You need a pack of playing cards
Take the pack of playing cards and remove the Ace to 10 of one particular suit.
These are the only cards you will need.
Mix the cards and see if your child can put them back in the right order.
They can use the 'spots' on the cards to help them if they want.
Next, mix all ten cards again, put them in a face-down pile
Then, turn over the top three cards.
See if your child can put these three cards in order, from smallest to largest.
Encourage them to leave gaps where any missing numbers could go.
Turn over the next card of the pile... where would this card go?
Continue turning over one card at a time. Each time ask your child to place the card in the line where they think it should be.
There are lots of good questions you can ask, for example:
- Does the 8 go before or after the 6?
- How do you know the 8 goes there?
- Are there any numbers that need to go between the 8 and the 10?
If your child finds it easy to make this number line, try mixing the cards again and starting with only one number.
If you give them the number 5 can they choose the others and put them in their right positions?