All Activities
Maths

Sort by Size and Shape

Overview

Children group objects based on different properties.

Learning Objective
Children sort objects using size and shape.

Resources needed

  • Mixed objects

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Provide a set of objects.
  2. 2 Ask children to sort by shape.
  3. 3 Discuss groups.
  4. 4 Sort again by size.
  5. 5 Compare results.
  6. 6 Ask: 'Why did you group them this way?'
  7. 7 Encourage explanation.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Sort by colour
  • Use natural materials
  • Invent own sorting rules
More information

Natural materials (leaves, stones, sticks) offer rich sorting possibilities and are free to collect.

Give children two containers to sort into, reducing complexity.

Can children explain their rule clearly? Can they re-sort the same objects using a different rule?

Natural objects are ideal — different leaves, stones of different shapes and sizes, and sticks provide rich sorting material at no cost.

Children often struggle to re-sort by a second attribute after sorting by the first — they become fixed on the original rule. Make it a game: 'Now forget how we sorted them — can you sort them a completely different way?'

Activity details
Early Years Easy 15–20 minutes No prep Solo, Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Sorting Shapes