January ordinal numbers card game fun for chilly winter math centers! Students learn ordinal numbers through a fast-paced Slap-It! game that reviews 1st through 10th with a cozy winter mitten theme.

Ordinal numbers tell position, like 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In this game, children look at mittens in a line, dates on a calendar, numerals and words to learn what each ordinal number means. Then they race to spot matches across all four formats.

With this January ordinal numbers card game, you get

• Ordinal numbers 1st through 10th in four card formats
• A quick Slap-It! game for 2-4 players
• Bonus ways to play: a matching game, ordering and sorting
• Calendar cards that connect ordinal numbers to dates
• Easy differentiation by choosing which formats to use

Print, prep and let the winter slapping begin!

What's Included

Card Formats

1 set of cards for ordinal numbers 1st-10th with four different formats:

• Number
• Word
• Picture (mitten sequences that show each position)
• Calendar

Slap-It! game instructions are also included.

Why Teachers Love It

• Four ways to see each ordinal number: Numerals, words, pictures and calendar dates build a deep understanding of position.
• Fast and fun: Slap-It! keeps every player watching each card.
• Flexible practice: Choose any format for the CENTER pile so children review the part they find hardest.
• More than one game: Use the same cards for a matching game, ordering or sorting.
• Ready for January: The winter theme fits right into your January centers after the holiday break.

Skills Students Practice

Primary Academic Skills

• Ordinal numbers 1st-10th: Children name and match ordinal positions from first to tenth.
• Position in a line: Mitten picture cards show which object is in each position.
• Calendar dates: Calendar cards connect ordinal numbers to dates.
• Ordinal number words: Children read words like second, third and eighth.
• Ordering and sorting: Children put cards in order and sort formats by ordinal number.

Secondary Life & Learning Skills

• Taking turns
• Maintaining attention
• Following directions
• Using mathematical language
• Waiting during group play
• Building confidence during group participation

How to Use It

Step 1: Print the cards on the white side of scrapbook paper, laminate and cut them apart. Choose one format for the CENTER pile and use the other formats as PLAYING cards. (More copies will create a longer game.)

Step 2: With 2-4 players, place the CENTER cards face down in a pile. Deal the PLAYING cards equally among players and place them face down in a pile in front of each player. Decide the first player and flip over one CENTER card.

Step 3: In clockwise order, players flip one card at a time. When a PLAYING card matches the CENTER card: SLAP-IT! (Matches will be in many formats.) The first player to slap the card takes the center pile of cards that have been played and adds them to the bottom of their own pile. Flip over another CENTER card and keep playing. The game is finished when time is up or one player has all the PLAYING cards.

Materials You'll Need

• Scrapbook paper (print on the white side)
• Laminating pouches
• Scissors

Easy Differentiation

Children learn ordinal numbers at different paces. These cards are easy to adjust for every learner.

For Children Who Need More Support

• Start with only two formats until children are ready for more
• Make more copies of the format you want to use for the playing cards
• Use the picture cards first so children can see each position
• Line up the cards in order before playing

For On-Level Practice

• Play Slap-It! with all four formats
• Play a matching game with two copies of each card
• Put the cards in order by ordinal number

For an Extra Challenge

• Make the format a child finds hardest the CENTER pile
• Sort all of the formats by ordinal number
• Ask children to name the date shown on each calendar card

For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support

• Say each ordinal number aloud as the card is flipped
• Use the word cards to practice ordinal number words
• Play the matching game with fewer cards for younger learners
• Have children point to a match if slapping is hard
• Give extra processing time before each turn

Perfect For

• January and winter math centers
• Small groups
• Partner games
• Calendar time
• Intervention
• Early finishers
• Substitute plans
• Homeschool

Standards

Ordinal numbers are named directly in the 1st grade Virginia Math SOL (2023). The game also supports cooperative play standards in Common Core, the TEKS (ELAR, adopted 2017) and the Virginia English SOL (2024):

Common Core State Standards

• CCSS SL.K.1.a: Follow agreed-upon rules, such as listening to others and taking turns, during group play.

Texas TEKS

• TEKS ELAR K.1.D: Work with others by following agreed-upon rules, including taking turns.

Virginia SOL

• VA SOL Math 1.MG.3.h: Use ordinal numbers first through tenth to describe the position of days and dates, as on the calendar cards.
• VA SOL English K.C.1.A.i: Listen actively and follow agreed-upon rules for participating, such as waiting for a turn.

Add the January Ordinal Numbers Card Game to your cart and give your students a quick, cozy way to master 1st through 10th this winter!

Download Details

Please note: This is a digital download that will be available to you directly after purchase. Nothing will be mailed to you.

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1. On the 'thank you' page after checkout
2. In your email
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