Unit Plan 15 (PreK Math): Sort & Classify
Sort and classify objects by color, size, or shape; count each group and compare using more, fewer, or same to build early data and attribute skills.
Focus: Explore sorting and classifying by color, size, or shape; count items in each category and compare counts using more, fewer, same.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Mathematics (Data & Attributes)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children investigate how objects are alike and different by noticing attributes (color, size, shape). They sort collections into categories, count how many are in each, and compare the counts using everyday language.
Essential Questions
- What makes objects go together in a category?
- How do I count and tell which group has more, fewer, or the same?
- Can I explain my sorting rule to others?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Sort a mixed set by one attribute (e.g., all red together).
- Classify objects into labeled categories and keep the rule consistent.
- Count items in each category and compare counts (more, fewer, same).
- Explain their sorting rule and change the rule to make a new sort.
Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten
- PK.MD.3 — Sort & classify into categories. Sorts by one attribute (color/shape/size); counts how many in each. Example: “We have 5 red bears and 3 blue bears.” (Aligns to: K.MD.3 — direct)
- (Supportive) MP.1, MP.4, MP.5, MP.6 threaded (perseverance, modeling, tool use, clear counting/labels).
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can sort by one attribute and keep my rule.
- I can count each category and say which has more, fewer, or the same.
- I can tell my sorting rule and make a new one.