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Maths

Put Objects in Order

Overview

Children arrange objects in a clear order.

Learning Objective
Children order objects by size, length, or quantity.

Resources needed

  • Objects of different sizes

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Give a set of objects.
  2. 2 Ask children to put them in order.
  3. 3 Discuss choices.
  4. 4 Check order together.
  5. 5 Use language: biggest, smallest, longer, shorter.
  6. 6 Repeat with new objects.
  7. 7 Encourage explanation.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Order by number
  • Order by weight
  • Use more objects for greater challenge
More information

Model the process of comparison (pick up two objects, hold them together, then decide) before asking children to work independently.

Start with three clearly different objects before expanding to more.

Do children compare adjacent objects or always compare to the smallest/largest? Can they insert a new object correctly?

Sticks of different lengths, stones of different sizes, or piles of different quantities — all freely available. No printed or prepared resources needed.

Children sometimes order objects correctly from one end but reverse the direction partway through. Others focus on one attribute (e.g. length) while ignoring another (e.g. width). Be explicit about which attribute is being ordered.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 10–15 minutes No prep Solo, Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Ordering Comparing