Card Sorts for the Win

By: Michelle Pantel Updated: September 2022

A while ago with the SPDU (Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit) I had the privilege of working with an amazing group of teachers while we discussed high ability learners. The teachers invigorated me with their desire to truly meet all the needs in their classroom in a meaningful way.  Special thanks to Dalia who encouraged me to write this blog post.

One of the items we discussed was how to use cards sorts to motivate students in your classroom.  We started off with groups of two or three working together to sort cards that had either emotion words or emojis.  If you are interested in the card sort please click on the underlined word titled card sort to get the PDF copy.

Card Sort

For me, it was interesting to eavesdrop on the engaging conversations that were taking place as they moved the cards around, and to watch what took place.  It was very similar to what you see in a classroom when students are using card sorts.  Here are some of the ways the teachers sorted their cards.

TIPS

• Using a combination of words and images quite often will increase the dialogue that happens in the group in order to categorize the cards. 

• Keep the groups small in order for all students to be active participants in the card sort. 

• Encourage a variety of ways to sort the same cards, and make them aware there is not one right answer. 

• Have students explain why they sorted the cards in the manner they did. 

• Make time for students to view other card sorts that other students created.  Allow time for the groups to explain their reasoning. 

• Get students to create titles for their categories.