Sorting/Classifying
K.15 The student will sort and classify objects according to
attributes.
To classify is to arrange or organize a set of materials according to a
category or attribute (a quality or characteristic). An object has many
attributes such as color, size, shape, thickness, etc.
General similarities and differences among objects are easily observed by
children entering kindergarten, who are able to focus on any one attribute. The
teacher’s task is to move students toward a more sophisticated understanding of
classification in which two or more attributes connect or differentiate sets,
such as those found in nature (e.g., leaves with different colors and different
figures).
All students should
Understand that the same set of objects can be sorted and classified in
different ways.
Teaching the Standard
Books
Grandma's Button Box. By Linda Williams Aber. 2002. 32p. Kane Press. (978-1575651101). GrK-2. Oh no! Grandma's box of buttons has been spilled and nobody knows how she had them arranged. Read on as Kelly and her cousins sort and arrange the buttons different ways trying to find the right one. Great introduction to sorting and leads well into lessons.Sorting. By Henry Arthur Pluckrose. 1995. 32p. Children's PR. (9780516454580). Gr K. The photos in this book are meant to bring about discussion involving sorting and classification. After going through the book ask your students what kinds of things you can sort and classify in the classroom.Sort It Out! By Barbara Mariconda. Illus by Sherry Rogers. 2008. 32p. Sylvan Dell Publishing (9781934359327). Gr PreK-K. Packy's mother is tired of him being a pack-rat and it's time to sort through his collections and clean up! How do they go about this? Great book to open discussions about sorting and classifying.
Lessons/Activities/Centerwork
Bug Sorting. Heres a free download for a file folder sorting game that would be perfect in small group or at a station. The teacher can either give students instruction on how to sort, or they can choose for themselves.
Color Sort Mat. Scroll down the page to find a mat to use to help students sort by color. Give students different objects to sort (buttons, crayons, large beads) and have them place them in like groups on the mat.
Sorting Games. Very good lesson introducing sorting. Teaches students in a clear step by step way how to sort and classify.
Electronic Resources
Flo and Zo Sort it Out. Online scholastic game using the Clifford the Big Red Dog characters helps students practice their sorting techniques.
Sorting Box. Here's a PBS Kids game featuring Sid the Science Kid and his friends. Children practice sorting by color. Make sure to either give students ear phones or turn the volume down on the computer as the game can be a little noisy.
Which Doesn't Belong. Classic Sesame Street game turned into an electronic activity. Have this game available to help students understand to sort first by like and no like. Helps students focus on different attributes.
Assessments
Classifying Pictures: What Doesn't Belong? Use these sheets in small groups and have students discuss which two objects are alike and which object is different. Circle the different object.
Sorting into Groups and Classifying. Have students cut out pictures and decide how to sort them. Paste them into each box (boxes are labeled on top with pictures, students must make decisions as to how these pictures fit together) and have students explain their reasoning to their sort. Students must write in what the pictures all have in common and should be able to explain themselves to the teacher. Afterwards they should be pasted into the math journal.
Sorting into Two Groups. Cut out the pictures in this sort and have students glue them into the appropriate box. After being checked for accuracy students can paste these into their math notebooks.