Objective

Students will sort objects and pictures based on size when provided with assorted objects of different sizes.

Prerequisites

Children know the concept of size (big, medium and small).

Pre-Teach Vocabulary

Together, small, big, medium, sorting

Introduction

1. The teacher may use the objects available in the classroom to discuss the sizes of the objects. For example, the teacher can show and compare the size of two pencils, two water bottles, or two notebooks. 
2. Once they are familiar with big and small sizes, a medium sized pencil or water bottle can be shown to make children understand ‘medium size’.
3. For students who are visually challenged, the teacher can arrange real objects so they can feel and compare the sizes of different objects.
4. The teacher can show the video song titled ‘The Vegetable Seller’ for an introduction to different sizes of vegetables. 
5. Picture cards can also be used for sorting.

Video: Introduction to Sorting – The Vegetable Seller

ISL Video: Introduction to Sorting – The Vegetable Seller

Activity 1: Sorting of Balls by Size (Big, Medium and Small)

Objective: 

To sort real objects (Balls here) from the assorted basket of balls in a play-way method

Importance of the Activity for Children:

1. Helps in developing:
   1. Fine motor skills (picking the balls)
   2. Gross motor skills (Bending, picking and reaching the basket)
   3. Cognitive skills (putting the ball in the right basket)
   4. Social skills (cooperation, waiting for their turn, playing together)

Resources required: 

1. Balls of two different sizes, to be dealt with in the lesson. Number of balls: Depends on the number of children.
2. Bins, small baskets or cardboard boxes, to hold the balls.

Setting for the Activity:

The activity can be done indoors or outdoors depending on the space availability.

Type of Activity:

Pair activity

Preparation of Activity:

The teacher provides a bin with balls of different sizes. Empty bins for sorting.

Role of the Teacher:

Demonstrator and facilitator.

Procedure:

1. The balls of different sizes are kept on the floor.
2. Empty bins with labels are kept in front of them.
3. Children will work in pairs to sort the balls by picking them up and putting them in the right box according to the size of the ball.
4. To make the activity more interesting, the teachers can give a paper cup to each child to hold the ball from either side and reach the bin. (As demonstrated in the video)
5. This process can be repeated for the other pairs as well.

Observation:

The students are made to observe the result of the activity as follows:

1. The teacher may show the bin labelled ‘Big’ to the students and tell them that all the big balls have been collected in the bin labelled as ‘Big’.
2. Then the children may be asked which bin they have put all the small balls in. The answer too may be given after eliciting the response from them, saying, “Yes, we have collected all the small balls in the bin labelled ‘small’.
3. The same may be repeated for other coloured balls 9if any collected in their respective coloured bins.
4. The same may be repeated for medium sized balls collected in the bin labelled ‘Medium’.

The teacher can note down their observations and guide the students accordingly. For example, if the child is still confused as to where to put the ball, she can help the student by demonstrating or with the help of some other learning aid, such as flashcards.

Conclusion:

Children would learn to sort balls given to them as big, medium and small. 

Video: Sorting Balls by Size

Adaptation Video: Sorting Balls by Size

ISL Video: Sorting Balls by Size

Activity 2: Sorting Vegetables

Objective: 

To sort real objects (Vegetables here) from an assorted basket of vegetables.

Importance of the Activity for Children:

1. Helps in developing:
   1. Fine motor skills (picking the vegetables)
   2. Cognitive skills (putting the vegetables in the right basket)
   3. Comprehending skills (understanding different sizes of vegetables)
   4. Social skills (cooperation, waiting for their turn)
   5. Language (names of different types of vegetables)

Resources required: 

1. Vegetables of different sizes (Big, medium and small)
2. Number: Minimum 3 of each size

Setting for the Activity:

The activity can be done indoors or outdoors depending on the space availability.

Type of Activity:

Individual or group

Preparation of Activity:

The teacher may provide different sized vegetables and three baskets labelled as big, medium and small.

Role of the Teacher:

Demonstrator and facilitator.

Procedure:

1. The teacher may start by demonstrating the activity. 
2. For example: She will pick a bottle gourd and keep it in the basket labelled as big. A cabbage in the medium basket and a lemon in the small basket.
3. Further, the teacher will encourage the children to complete the activity by arranging all the vegetables in the right basket.

Observation:

The students are made to observe the result of the activity as follows:

1. The teacher may show the baskets at the end to reinforce the concept of sorting by size.
2. The teacher may write her observations for the feedback.

Suggested Variation in the Activity:

1. Teachers can start the activity with two sizes – big and small.
2. The level of activity can be increased by adding medium sized vegetables.

Suggested Scaffolds for Assistance and Practice:  

1. Hand holding if required at the beginning of the activity. It should fade away slowly.
2. The teacher can put the first coloured pencil in and show sorting, and the child can follow.
3. A peer can demonstrate how to do it to his or her partner.
4. Grips for holding pencils can be provided if the child has difficulty in fine motor skills.

Conclusion:

Children would learn to sort vegetables according to their size.  

Activity Video: Sorting Vegetables

Adaptations Video: Sorting Vegetables

ISL Video: Sorting Vegetables by Size

Check list for teacher:

Activity	Yes	No	Sometimes
Can identify different sizes (big, medium and small)
Can sort one size at a time
Can sort more than one size at a time
Can complete the activity in the given time
Can do the activity independently
Able to express through verbal, actions, expressions or gestures.

Home Activity

a. Sorting cups by size

b. Sorting buttons by size

Activity Video: Sorting Cups by Size

ISL Video: Sorting Cups by Size

Activity Video: Sorting Buttons by Size

ISL Video: Sorting Buttons by Size

Cross-Curricular Connection

• In Art class: Draw balls of different sizes or use clay and make different sized balls.

LTM: Flashcards – Picture cards

LTM: Flashcards – Vocabulary cards

LTM: Communication cards

Assessment

Assessment Type: Activity
Asset Objective: Children should be able to sort the leaves based on size.
Materials Required: Leaves of three different sizes (10 to 15 leaves) A basket of assorted leaves. Three labelled baskets for sorting.

Procedure
1. The teacher or the students will collect leaves of different sizes in a basket.
2. Empty baskets will be provided to the children.
3. Children will sort the leaves according to their size. 

Observation
1. The teacher can observe and note the child’s performance.
2. Feedback can be given.
3. Appreciate and encourage the child’s work.

Teacher Resource Document

Source and Attribution of images: All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created.

This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation.