First and last
First and last are your child's earliest words for order, which is a different idea from how many. They help your child follow steps, retell a story, and take turns, and they prepare the way for second, third, and tenth in later grades. Order matters in math too: counting starts with a first number, and reading a number line or working through a problem step by step depends on keeping things in sequence.
In this video, your child will learn to tell what is first and last.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Which one is first?
Example 2
Which one is last?
Your child's turn
Which one is first?
The three key steps
- 1The flag shows the front.
- 2The one at the front is first.
- 3The one at the back is last.
Mistakes to listen for
- 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.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to using the words "first" and "last" →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
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More Pre-K Numbers & Place Value, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice using the words "first" and "last", and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to using the words "first" and "last" has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice using the words "first" and "last"
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on using the words "first" and "last" and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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