The math room

Sorting Buttons!

Mary Baratta-Lorton reminds us that, sorting and classifying are fundamental parts of life. People use sorting when determining what kind of dog they see, when recalling a favorite food, or when getting another person a screwdriver. People use sorting when they put away the dishes, select cat food at the grocery store, or pick out the appropriate coins to buy an ice cream cone.

The importance of sorting and classifying activities in children's mathematical development is critical. Through these activities children learn to think analytically and to express their thoughts clearly. To sort and classify is to deal with relationships. It encourages the growth of clear logical thinking, which is the basis of good mathematical reasoning.

In order particular property which some objects have in common. To sort some of the objects, children focus on one property the objects possess to the exclusion of the others.

Here you see buttons that are sorted according to specific attributes.

Can you find the picture where there are 2 categories (classes) in a circle, and the circles overlap in the middle? This is a Venn diagram. The part that overlaps tells us the these buttons share attributes. Maybe you have items that you can sort at home? Can you classify items into different groups?