CLASSIFYING & SORTING AS A FOUNDATION
FOR MATHEMATICAL THINKING
WHY IS CLASSIFYING AND SORTING A FOUNDATION FOR MATHEMATICAL THINKING?
Before children can classify and sort objects easily, they learn to compare objects in terms of their observable features 1, 2, which is a foundational skill in mathematical thinking. In mathematics, we compare using all sorts of categories:
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The process of sorting has been understood in three steps:
As with any other mathematical concept, children learn these concepts best when they are connected to their everyday experiences.
When children are provided with rich, authentic opportunities to classify and sort in their everyday lives, they learn to identify and form relationships between objects, apply rules and develop logical and analytical thinking 4. These are foundational skills for successful navigation of mathematical concepts in their later years of schooling, categorised in the Australian Curriculum as Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
Furthermore, children can also learn practical ways in which they can organise things in the real world, such as putting toys away or helping to set the table for dinner 4, as part of developing self-regulation and self-management skills essential for successful engagement in life.
- Children decide which feature(s) they will sort their objects by. They may start off with one feature (e.g. yellow), and then move on to including more than one feature (e.g. round and yellow).
- Children physically sort the objects according to these features.
- Children describe their rationale for sorting. This enables them to develop their reasoning skills, which are essential in mathematical thinking 3.
As with any other mathematical concept, children learn these concepts best when they are connected to their everyday experiences.
When children are provided with rich, authentic opportunities to classify and sort in their everyday lives, they learn to identify and form relationships between objects, apply rules and develop logical and analytical thinking 4. These are foundational skills for successful navigation of mathematical concepts in their later years of schooling, categorised in the Australian Curriculum as Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
Furthermore, children can also learn practical ways in which they can organise things in the real world, such as putting toys away or helping to set the table for dinner 4, as part of developing self-regulation and self-management skills essential for successful engagement in life.
WHAT CAN BE CLASSIFIED AND SORTED?
HOW WOULD AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTING PROVIDE FOR THIS?
Click on the button below to access how two examples of how early childhood settings may incorporate a play-based approach to address this concept, and what children can learn from them based on outcomes from the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework:
"Young children learn best through play. Take notice of the toys around you during your next play session with your child and sorting will become a natural extension of [their] play." — Geiser (2009) |
HOW CAN I DEVELOP MY CHILD'S SORTING AND CLASSIFYING SKILLS AT HOME?
Grocery unpacking:
Laundry:
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Here are some extra resources to give you some ideas of how your children can classify and sort around the house — even in household chores!
REFERENCES:
- Geiser, T. (2009). Preschool math: All sorts of sorting! Retrieved from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-sorting/
- Extension. (2015). Basic math skills in child care: Matching, classifying, and measuring. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/25593/basic-math-skills-in-child-care:-matching-classifying-and-measuring#.VfuSgCCqqko
- Harris, A. (2013) Matching and sorting are early stages of math development. Retrieved from http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/matching_and_sorting_are_early_stages_of_math_development
- Shaw, J. M. (n.d.). Sorting, classifying and patterning: Critical to mathematical understanding in kindergarten. Retrieved from http://www.eduplace.com/state/author/shaw2_hmm05.pdf
- NCTM. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.
Updated: September 17th, 2015 by Christie Oh