Activity Idea: Sorting Seashells

Head Start QuickSource® reminds us that Mathematics Knowledge & Skills refers to the "conceptual understanding of numbers, their relationships, combinations, and operations." During the early years, math skills help children to connect ideas and develop logical and abstract thinking.

Here's an activity called Sorting Seashells that will help children develop their sorting and grouping skills. For this activity, you will need Sea Shells (PSMSS), Colored Masking Tape (CMT), and Brawny Tough Plastic Art Trays (ARTRAY).

Materials Needed:
Sea Shells (PSMSS)
Colored Masking Tape (CMT)
Brawny Tough Plastic Art Trays (ARTRAY)

Let's Get Started:
1. Make a sorting tray by dividing a tray into sections with the colored tape. Create as many sections as you have different types of seashells.

2. Have the children sort the seashells by similar characteristics such as size or shape. Place the groups into the tray.

3. Try sorting the shells by two attributes, e.g., small white shells or large brown shells.

4. Ask the children how many shells are in each group.

Furthermore....
Repeat the activity again, this time using shells from biggest to smallest or by texture - smooth shells and bumpy shells.

If using POCET™,  this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: MA3 Classify and Sort by Attributes.