What is it :
Categorizing means that children group things based on similarities or differences, such as colour, shape, function, or theme. For young learners, this is a playful and active way to learn to think logically and critically.
For example:
- Sorting objects by colour or material
- Classifying animals into “domestic” and “wild” animals
- Matching words related to the same theme (e.g. “autumn” or “farm”)
This activity helps children make connections, develop language and create overview. It can be done individually, in pairs or in groups, using materials such as cards, pictures or real objects.
How does it works:
1: Introduction
Explain what categorising means:
“Categorising means grouping things that belong together. These can be words, pictures, numbers, animals, or even ideas.”
Eg:
- Words that belong to the same theme
- Animals that are similar
- Sums that are the same amount
2: Students get material
Depending on your topic, give them cards, pictures, words, sentences, numbers or concrete material.
Examples:
- Language: single words (house, tree, walking, chair, writing)
- Maths: sums or numbers (2+3, 5, 1+4, 10-5, 8-3)
- World orientation: pictures of animals, professions, vehicles
- Social skills: behaviours or emotions (angry, happy, honest, listening, shouting)
3: Assignment
“Make groups of things that belong together. Think about how you want to classify them. Give each group a name. Then tell why you did it that way.”
- this instruction depends on the material or working form (e.g. on a worksheet) you offer
- Let them work individually or in pairs into small groups.
4: Explanation and substantiation
Let the students tell:
- Why do these things belong together?
- What is this group called?
- Could something also fit in another group? Why yes/no?
This way they practise articulating their thinking, an important part of critical thinking.
5: Class discussion
Have a few groups share their categorisation and discuss:
- Are there multiple ways to categorise?
- What would change if you group by a different property?
This shows that there are multiple correct solutions, as long as they are logically based.