Classifying & sorting as a foundation for mathematical thinking
What parents can do:
Make sorting a part of daily routines
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Children should have a set out way that they need to clean their toys up (specific boxes or containers).
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Children can help setting the table for dinner
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Seperating items for recylcing and waste.
Play games involving matching based on traits.
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When folding the washing a Sock search game. Ask your child to find as many matching socks as possible.
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Go Fish, snap, dominoes.
online game, looking at characteristics of animals: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/games/animalclassgame.htm
Classifying and sorting is an important concept of mathematics. It is a fundamental skill that when understood comes as second nature.
1:1 correspondence is usually explained as the ability to match one object to one (corresponding) number or object.
"Young children learn by doing, and they learn by trial and error. When they control, manipulate, and arrange objects, they internalize concepts; they make sense of the world. With concrete materials, children can make mistakes and then easily correct them" (Caine , as cited in Schiller, n.d.)
Children learn how to classify and sort objects by focusing on the attributes of the included objects. Objects that are not included will be focused on after.
Children can practice sorting through observable characteristics including size, shape, colour and size. Children are a valuable resource themself as they are able to identify their own characteristics as well as there peers to identify boy vs girl, tall vs short, hair colour, eye colour, height and age.
Play provocations:
Play provocations inspired by Reggio-Emilia encourage the child to sort and classify during play using natural objects that are easily accessible. Adding a mirror to the area of the provocation allows the child to see all the sides and parts of the objects.
Nature walks are a great way to collect materials with a child to use in play environments at home, this will also help build the understanding of the importance of the environment and all the resources that can be created from it.
I am retrieved from: creativeandinspiredplay.blogspot.com
image retrieved from: teachmama.com
Sorting and classifying natural objects:
Every child will sort and classify objects different to another. It is important to firstly think and talk to the child about the attributes of the materials infront of you. Objects can be sorted and classified by their shape, size, colour, pattern, texture.
Button sorting activitiy:
This is another sorting and classifying activity focusing on the child sorting the buttons through the sensory characteristics of the buttons. The visual appearance, textures, weight, dimensions, colour, relative size and sounds. Many of these characteristics are used in the simple activity of button sorting.
The sound of the buttons bouncing into the container is enhanced by using glass.
Heidi Songs musica Math DVD
Provides specific songs to teach sorting through a multi sensory approach. Meaningful sorting and classifying experiences to promote retention of this content. Song and movement is used to make the learning more meaningful.
Australian Curriculum- sorting and classifying
ACMNA005 | Content description | Foundation Year | Mathematics | Number and Algebra | Patterns and algebra
Content description
Sort and classify familiar objects and explain the basis for these classifications. Copy, continue and create patterns with objects and drawings
Elaborations
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observing natural patterns in the world around us
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creating and describing patterns using materials, sounds, movements or drawings
EYLF outcome connections
OUTCOME 3: CHILDREN HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF WELLBEING
Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and wellbeing Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and
Outcome 3 (p. 32): Children demonstrate spatial awareness and orient themselves, moving around and through their environments, confidently and safely.
OUTCOME 4: CHILDREN ARE CONFIDENT AND INVOLVED LEARNERS
Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, co-operation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
Outcome 4 (p. 35): Children create and use representation to organise, record and communicate mathematical ideas and concepts
OUTCOME 5: CHILDREN ARE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS
Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
Children begin to understand how symbols and systems work
Outcome 5 (p. 40): Children demonstrate an increasing understanding of measurement and number using vocabulary to describe size, length, volume, capacity and names for numbers.
Children use language to communicate thinking about quantities to describe attributes of objects and collections, and to explain mathematical ideas.
Children notice and predict the patterns of regular routines and the passing of time.
Children begin to recognise patterns and relationships and the connections between them.
Children begin to sort, organise and children begin to sort, organise and compare collections and events and attributes of objects and materials
Image retireved from:www.alittlepinchofperfect.com
Image retrieved from:http://inspirationlaboratories.com/ideas-to-practice-classification-for-kids/
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) (2010). Becoming, Being and Belonging: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Canberra, ACT: DEEWR.
Retrieved from: http://files.acecqa.gov.au/files/National-Quality-Framework-Resources-Kit/belonging_being_and_becoming_the_early_years_learning_
framework_for_australia.pdf
ACARA Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, Australian Curriculum
Retrieved from: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/