Sorting (Progressive Exercises)
Materials:
Tray
Identical containers for each set of objects
Larger container that fits all objects together
A blindfold
Objects for level 1:
Sets of familiar objects that fit in the child’s hand and can be distinguished by feeling. Start with a variety of two different objects and then three, such as sets of buttons, shells, small wooden geometric shapes, etc.
Objects for level 2:
Sets of medium-size grains that are large enough to be visible when the child holds one between their fingers, such as beans or other grains of similar size. Start with a variety of three to five different objects with five to ten in each set.
Objects for level 3: Discrimination of Grains
Small grains/seeds the size of rice that are not visible when the child holds one between their fingers. Start with a variety of four objects with only a few of each.
Purposes: Refinement of the stereognostic perception
Age: 3 and up
Preparation:
Level 1-the child has worked with the geometric solids and has experienced the stereognostic perception
Level 2 and 3 is experience with the level prior.
Presentation 1: Level 1
Invite the child for a lesson on sorting. Show them how to carry the tray, replace it on the shelf and invite them to carry it to a table. You will bring a blindfold and two tissues.
Put on the blindfold.
Keep the non-dominant on the edge of the center bowl as a point of reference. With the dominant hand, choose a shell from the center tray and feel it using the whole hand.
Indicate that variety will go in a specific dish. Repeat for the other type.
Continue to sort until the center bowl is empty. Remove the blindfold and visually check.
Replace the shells in the center bowl. Invite the child to sort. Encourage repetition.
Fade and observe.
Presentation 2: Level 2
Same process as Level 1.
Presentation 3: Level 3
Same process as Level 1.
Control of Error:
The child’s own judgment/visual discrimination
Language: Names of contents being sorted
Following Exercises: None
Memory Games: None
Pedagogical Notes:
You can create a visual sorting to be done without a blindfold. This is a great exercise for a transition shelf. Include a variety of items that the child would see in their homes such as silverware, keys, etc.
All three sorting exercises can be on the shelf simultaneously.
Rotate the objects to be sorted to generate interest to encourage repetition.
These types of exercises help children organize and classify information they have in their minds.