Grades K–2 · Language
How do page numbers help us find our place?
A book can hold more pages than we can see at once. Page numbers give those pages an order. In a simple numbered book, page 8 comes after page 7 and before page 9.
In the diagramA number connects a topic with a placeContentsTrees — 4Birds — 8Fish — 1289An invented contents entry points to the matching page number.
A contents page can use those numbers as directions. If it says “Birds — 8,” the number tells us where the section about birds begins. We can turn pages until the number matches.
The number does not explain the birds. The words and pictures do that. The number helps us reach those words and pictures, and helps us return to the same place later.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Recognize written numbers in a small ordered sequence.
Sources
- Reading Rockets — How to Read Nonfiction Text