Button Sorting

After observing the children classifying and sorting toy animals, collage materials and the like toward the end of last term, we decided to further develop this interest by including a button sorting activity onto the program.

Set Up;

To make the activity attractive and interesting to the children, we set it up in a quiet area of our play room, pictures of button sorting were also included in the area.  Early Years Professionals began sorting the buttons by colour and left the area set as a 'sample'. We discussed amongst the adults that the children might decide to classify the buttons by shape, size, colour or texture and could perhaps extend the activity further by reintroducing objects that they had been using in play last term to sort.   

Learning

This activity was more popular than anticipated.  Children began sorting and classifying, noting similarities and differences, negotiating where certain buttons needed to be placed and matching sizes.
In the photo above 'M' holds the buttons and discusses with 'MM' the similarities between the buttons - same size, same number of holes and same black ring around them.
'MM' responds "But that one is red and that one is pink so they can't be the same"

 Further sorting is required. 

The children have favoured sorting by colour.  We will introduce the concept of size and shape next week and observe if the learning can be extended, or if they prefer continuing to develop the skills and learning from this week.

Early Years Learning Framework:

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating.