Description

The best way to teach “before, between, and after” is through hands-on activities, visual cues, and playful repetition. Use toys, number lines, and storytelling to make the concept concrete and fun.

What do you get? Complete activity booklet A4 and A5, 2 classroom posters.

🧠 Why It Matters

Understanding “before, between, and after” builds number sense, which is foundational for Mathematical fluency, sequencing, and problem-solving. It also strengthens spatial reasoning and prepares learners for place value and patterns.

🧸 Engaging Teaching Ideas

1. Number Line Adventures

• Use a large floor number line or draw one on a poster.
• Have learners “walk” to a number and ask:

• “What number comes before?”
• “What number comes after?”
• “Stand between 4 and 6—what number are you?”

2. Toy Train Game

• Line up 3–5 toy animals or blocks with numbers.
• Ask: “Who is sitting before number 3?” “Who is between 2 and 4?”
• Let learners rearrange and explain their choices.

3. Story-Based Learning

• Create short stories: “Lulu the Leopard stood between Benny the Frog (number 2) and Tilly the Turtle (number 4). What number is Lulu?”
• Use character-driven visuals to reinforce positions.

4. Interactive Worksheets

• Use fill-in-the-blank sheets:
  • “___ comes before 7.”
  • “___ is between 5 and 7.”
  • “___ comes after 9.”
• EDUGIZELLE offers printable resources.

5. Real-Life Objects

• Use fruit, crayons, or shoes. Line them up and number them.
• Ask learners to pick the item that’s “between” two others or “after” a certain one.

🎯 Tips for Success

• Use repetition with variation: Keep the structure familiar but change the numbers or objects.
• Praise reasoning: Ask learners to explain their answers—this builds confidence and deeper understanding.
• Visuals matter: Use colour-coded numbers, mascots, or themed décor (like ladybirds or leopards!) to make it memorable.