Children are given or told the grouping pattern for the objects. Classifying on the other hand requires children to discover how a given set of objects might be grouped. The children are not told to put objects into groups based on a particular grouping or attribute as the case with simple sorting tasks. With classifying tasks children are presented with a set of objects and then asked to group the objects based on their thinking as to how the objects in each group might be the same or different.
In short, for simple sorting tasks, young children are told or shown the grouping pattern and with classifying tasks children need to determine the grouping patterns for the set of objects presented to them on their own. However, when dealing with young children the words sorting and classifying is used interchangeably. When our young ones start showing interest in sorting and classifying, I have learned over the years from working with young children, that the best way to start them off is to present them with an unsorted group of items such as buttons, shells, lids, stones, fabrics of different colours and patterns, etc.
For a sorting and classifying activity, you can provide your child with containers that facilitate sorting, for example; tins, trays, plastic cups, wooden bowls, jars, egg cartons, ice cube trays, etc. You should also work with them to help them create simple labels to further their understanding that items are sorted and classified into categories or groups based on their similarities or differences.
For this activity, I used brown paper to create a large mat because I have twin toddlers, and I think it is more convenient for them until they are more willing to share. I went ahead and made the labels beforehand because they just turned two, and their attention span at this age is short and varies based on what they are doing. The sorting is more interesting for them than the creation of labels.
Comparing - children make a decision based on the amount of an attribute two objects hold. Here children are engaged with determining which object possesses more or less of an attribute. Children develop their vocabulary of comparative description. They also develop an understanding that comparing is relative to the situation and that an object's description can change depending on what it is being compared with.
Ordering - children can only order when they are able to identify and describe attributes, notice differences and make comparisons. Ordering involves arranging objects according to increasing or decreasing amounts of an attribute.
How to help your child develop their skills in classifying and sorting: Even though many children begin to naturally sort according to basic attributes, there are many activities that can help your child develop, refine and expand their skills. Here are some ideas for you to try at home: Identifying and describing attributes Displaying and explaining differences - ask your child to collect small things they can find around their room that are different.
Talk to them about what makes them different. Encourage conversation about colour, shape, size, what they are made of and function. An example could be to start with a product like our ' Tinker Box '. Encourage your child to a small number of objects from the box and increase the number as they begin to understand the game. Go outside and repeat this activity with natural objects. The difference in attributes here will encourage different vocabulary.
Remember to encourage your child to explain their thinking. Try these activities again this time talking about what makes them the same or almost the same. Encourage your child to find items that are similar and talk about the differences and similarities. Accept their explanations and take the time to offer different ones. Different interpretations will broaden their thinking. For example, if a child only ever talks about colour, try talking about size or shape. Matching Once your child can talk about, describe and explain their thinking about attributes try activities which asks them to find two things that share an attribute.
This time collect a variety of household items, two of each kind of item that has at least one attribute the same - for example, colour. Ask your child to match the items according to the attribute. Collecting a different group of items ask your child to match the items according to their own chosen attribute.
Remember that the development of language skills here is very important. Sorting There is an overabundance of items children can sort that is easy to find in the home and garden.
For this reason, many children are naturally attracted to sorting objects and do not need much direction. Meanwhile, some children may need more assistance to get started. Sorting is the next step in the process which begins with matching. When a child puts two objects together according to a particular feature they are matching. Once they group a number of objects together they are sorting. When children sort objects they are learning that some of those things are alike and some of those things are different.
Once they move onto grouping according to a number of different attributes they learn that a single item can have many features by which it can be sorted. It teaches your toddler to notice similarities and differences, learn to categorise, and develops early literacy and numeracy skills.
Use description words to talk about how things are the same and different i. Describing objects and looking for similarities and differences helps develop the language to classify, sort and group things.
Sorting objects, matching shapes, colours and then pictures helps build visual perception and thinking skills. Children can generally sort into colours before they can identify the name of the colours.
Pack away time can be turned into a sorting game using category names e. Helping with the laundry can be a sorting game e.
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