Math · Stage 4
Understand and order negative numbers in context (temperature, number line)
The number line keeps going past zero — negatives live on the LEFT, and the further left a number is, the smaller (and colder) it is.
✦ Math📘 Stage 4 · S4⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 8–9★ Free to start
I can understand and order negative numbers in context (temperature, number line).
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Kavi and the Freezing Morning ❄️
It's a frosty morning and the thermometer reads −4°C! "Brrr!" hoots Kavi. "Numbers don't stop at zero — they keep going below it. The further left a number sits on the line, the smaller and colder it is ❄️."
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What your child will learn
1Zero in the middle, negatives on the leftA number line doesn't start at zero — it keeps going the other way too. Numbers to the left of zero have a minus sign: −1, −2, −3… These are negative numbers. The further left, the smaller.
2Colder means further leftTemperature is the everyday number line. Tap each card. Below zero is cold — and the more negative the number, the colder it feels.
3Further left is always smallerTo compare two numbers, picture the line: the one on the left is smaller. Tap each row to hear it.
4Keep counting past zeroWhen it gets colder, the temperature counts down — and doesn't stop at zero. From 8, hop down by 2: 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, −2, −4… The even steps are lit.
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A peek inside
Which is colder, −3°C or −7°C?
both are below zero; −7 is further LEFT on the number line
Try this at home: Order from smallest: −2 , 3 , −5 → __ , __ , __
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 4 · S4 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.