What Is Before, After, and Between?

• These are position words that tell us where a number lives on the number line.
• Every number has a specific place: one neighbor comes before it, and one neighbor comes after it.
• Understanding these positions helps us count correctly and compare different amounts.

What Does Before Mean?

• Before means the number that comes first or is one step back.
• When we count, we say the "before" number before we reach the main number.
• To find what comes before, we look at the neighbor to the left.
• Example: If you are looking at number 3, the number 2 is Before 3.

What Does After Mean?

• After means the number that comes next or is one step forward.
• When we count, we say the "after" number immediately after the main number.
• To find what comes after, we look at the neighbor to the right.
• Example: If you are looking at number 6, the number 7 is After 6.

What Does Between Mean?

• Between means the number that is trapped in the middle of two other numbers.
• It is the bridge that connects a smaller neighbor and a larger neighbor.
• To find the between number, look at the gap between two numbers that have a space in the middle.
• Example: If you have 8 and 10, the number 9 is sitting Between them.

How to Practice

1. The Counting Method: Start counting from 1. If you need to find what comes after 4, say "1, 2, 3, 4..." and the next word you say (5) is the answer.
2. The Number Line Method: Put your finger on a number. Move your finger left for Before and right for After.
3. The Middle Method: Look at two numbers with a hole in the middle. Fill the hole with the number that fits the counting pattern.

Lesson Summary

• Before is one step backward (Smaller).
• After is one step forward (Bigger).
• Between is the center of two numbers.