Numbers 1–31: Cardinal and Ordinal
A printable guide to number words, ordinal forms and dates, including both the first of May and May first.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Printable reference with examples
- Clear explanations for guided or independent use
Consult an A1 table of cardinal words, ordinal abbreviations and ordinal words for 1-31. Examples distinguish quantity, position and dates.
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A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Model three books versus the third book. Teach a short range first, drawing attention to first, second and third rather than assuming every ordinal adds -th.
- Read corresponding rows aloud and compare cardinal and ordinal forms.
- Use the printed date examples to practise the first of May or May first, keeping both spoken patterns available.
- Check 11th, 12th and 13th and the hyphens in twenty-one and twenty-first; apply them to an optional teacher-given date.
Support and extension
For support, use rows 1-10 before adding compound numbers. Extend by describing a position or an invented birthday. This is a one-page reference, not a printed quiz; learners should not use ordinal words for ordinary counting.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
