Ordering Numbers Tower with Lego

​Lego is loved by many and creates a fun atmosphere when paired with learning. Today I am sharing a math activity that can be done with lego to teach ordering numbers. Using lego blocks to teach ordering numbers is a fantastic hands-on activity to do at home or as a math center in the classroom.
You will need:

• Blocks like Lego Duplo/Megablocks/Junior
• A Marker

(I recommend using larger type blocks like Lego Duplo because there is more space to write larger numbers if you need.)

Counting & Ordering Numbers 1-20 Activity
For this simple activity, I labeled the numbers 1-20 on the individual Lego blocks.  On the opposite side of each block, I drew the amount of dots to represent the number (optional).

Once ready to begin the activity, spread the blocks out and jumble the numbers around as in the picture below. Keep all of the numerals facing upwards. Then, set the challenge to build a tower putting the numbers in the correct order from 1-20.

If stuck on the number, count the dots! 

I put Lego wheels on the base for my son since he loves trucks and cars, but any Lego base will do to help the tower from falling. He enjoyed driving his tower of 20 blocks around once he finished the task.

Differentiation option for older kids – Comparing and Ordering Larger Numbers
This activity can easily be adapted to suit older kids to work on comparing ordering larger numbers.
To do this, all I would do is label the blocks with the numbers appropriate to challenge the level of difficulty my students need.. Below is an example set for ordering 4-digit numbers.

​Then set the challenge to build a tower in ‘ascending’ order (from least to greatest). 

---

​Another great activity that can be used at home or in the classroom is this fun Math Mystery below, which focuses on Comparing and Ordering numbers, 'Case of The Outback Outlaw'. Kids will be practicing this important skill whilst also working on solving who stole the opals from the Coober Pedy mine in the Outback of Australia.
It's available in four different levels to choose difficulty from. Click on the grade level version below to find out what number range/s are explored in each..
​