Pre-K · Counting & Cardinality
PK.CC.6: Use "first" and "last"
PK.CC.6 is a Pre-K math standard in Counting & Cardinality. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The Pre-K math learning standard
Identify "first" and "last" related to order or position.
In plain words
Use "first" and "last".
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Which circle is last in the row?
- The yellow circle
- The red circle
- The blue circle
Where students can get stuck
- Calling the biggest or favorite toy "first," even in the middle of the row, because first sounds like best.
- Naming the wrong end as first when a line faces a different direction, because they always read left to right.
- Mixing up "last" meaning most recent, as in "last night," with the end position of a line.
Effective teaching strategies
- Line up stuffed animals with the smallest at the front and the biggest at the back, and ask which is first and which is last, so students see that position and not size decides.
- Turn the same line to face the opposite wall and ask who is first now, so students find the start of the line instead of always starting at the left.
- Have students name the first and last step of a short routine, such as wash hands, eat snack, and clean up, so last means the end of an order.
Share it with families
Families can read Using the words "first" and "last" for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice counting at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.