Activity 19: Sorting objects into sets of one and two
Materials:
2 paper plates (1 plate with 1 large dot drawn on it, the other plate with 2 large dots) and child-safe objects or snacks for sorting (such as apple slices, spoons, pieces of cereal, toy cars, or blocks)
Try It Out:
- Place the 2 plates in front of your child.
- Say, “Let’s play the 1 Dot, 2 Dots game.” Point to the plate with 1 dot and say, “Look, this plate has 1 dot. I will put 1 apple slice on this plate.” (Do so.)
- Point to the plate with 2 dots and say, “This plate has 2 dots. I will put 2 apple slices on this plate.” (Do so.) Then point to each plate in turn, saying: “1 apple slice. 2 apple slices.”
- Remove the apple slices and say, “Now it’s your turn to play.” Alternate giving your child 1 and 2 apple slices, and each time ask her to put what you give her on the correct plate. Help your child count the apple slices she puts on each plate.
- If your child can correctly place objects into sets of 1 and 2, try giving her 3 and then 4 objects to sort, using additional plates showing more dots as needed.
Making the Most of This Activity:
- Try the activity using different objects or at different times of day.
- Take the number plates with you on an outing. Sort pebbles and leaves on a walk or at the park.
Reflect:
Was your child able to sort 1 and 2 objects onto the paper plates? If not, start with just 1 object. Then, move onto sets of 2, 3, and 4 after your child has learned how to do the game with 1 object.
