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(Unit 2) Topic 4: Classifying and Sorting

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

What is Classification?

Topic 4 Page 2

Classifying objects can be as simple as a child showing a preference for one kind of food or as complex as a line of toys sorted from smallest to largest. Early childhood educators know that children naturally classify objects in an attempt to make sense of the sometimes overwhelming world around them. Teachers have many opportunities to cultivate a child’s growing sense of classifying and sorting objects. Whether activities are carefully orchestrated and planned or more free form and open isn’t important. What is important is following the developmentally appropriate practices to support classification and sorting for your group.

Classification can be defined as "the ability to group objects into sets based on specific characteristics such as color, shape, size, etc."

Classification can be done by size, type, color, purpose, texture, etc. There are minimal limitations to how things can be sorted and classified which means that this is a tool that can be used over and over again. Are you teaching colors? Design a sorting activity where different colored balls are sorted into a muffin tin. Is your group learning about plants? Guide them in classifying parts of the plants. There are a multitude of options for supporting classification and sorting skills.

Why is Classification so Important?

Classifying things according to similar attributes is a foundational skill in critical thinking, mathematical, and scientific concepts. Deciding which objects belong together based on a commonality helps children develop an understanding of relationships. Math skills are rooted in relationships as are scientific explorations. Combine the knowledge, considerations, and analytics required to identify and understand those relationships and you have a prime platform for critical thinking.