The Magic of Sorting and Classifying in PreSchool
Basic sorting activities help build foundations for many life-long skills and concepts, including language, vocabulary, math and social interaction.
Sorting is a natural way for children to explore their environments.
Instinctively, as children explore their environment, they begin to notice similarities and differences. Children begin this process by sorting things that have relevance and meaning. An example of this is an infant’s recognition of which sounds bring adult attention, and which sounds do not. Use of different natural materials in all different shapes and sizes will prompt a child to do what they naturally do: explore, investigate, and determine the likes and differences of the objects.
In addition to natural materials, colored rings (from Eco-Works in New Haven), paint chip colors, crayons, and other easy-to-access materials kept children engaged in a sorting and classifying activity that lasted a good part of morning play time. The children also decided to grab magnifying glasses to examine their final product.
Steps Involved in Sorting
Children begin first with sorting and organize their learning centers by sorting boxes and natural materials that will be used. Classification is the next step in sorting. Classification is the grouping of objects because of their characteristics. In our classroom, by simply placing baskets and old silverware on a wooden bench children are prompted to make decision about which pieces of silverware can be grouped together.
Math Concepts
Simple sorting encourages children to experience mathematics as they play. By implementing simple sorting and classifying activities, children eventually become capable of sorting, classifying, and counting. Basic sorting activities can lend a hand to a number of math concepts such as number sense, one to one correspondence, and knowledge of total sum. The children took part in a color sorting activity that was later extended to counting the buttons that they have sorted.
Problem Solving
In order to sort, children focus on the attributes of the objects. Sorting initiates problem solving and inspires a new way of doing things. This child has modified this activity by using the wooden tongs found in our science area. Without even knowing it, she has come up with a new and fun way to sort.
Language & Vocabulary Development
During sorting activities children start to develop language and learn new vocabulary by discussing the attributes related to the objects sorted.
Social Interaction & Motor Development
Simple sorting and classifying activities provide enriching ways to also reach other domains, strengthening children’s ability to have positive social interactions. These activities encourage use of language and the acquisition of new vocabulary, fine tuning cognition and building up their fine and gross motor development. This is just some of the magic created through sorting and classifying in preschool.
Shandra Patton is a Seedlings Alum and former Seedlings Fellow teaching preK at Augusta Lewis Troup School in New Haven. She collaborates with kindergarten teacher Gyna Grant and art teacher Rebecca Looney (both two-time participants at our summer workshop) to integrate curriculum and explore process art at various age levels.
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