Seriation - Ordering Objects by Size

Experiment with the kids of objects used. (Make sure they are all of equal desirability.) Adapt the number of objects to be ordered to the ability of the group.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can order objects according to size Cog. IIIB
ages 3-4 can categorize object according to size Cog. IIIA
ages 2-2 ½ can point to a big or little object Cog. IIIB
and 1-1 ½ years can name objects Lang. IB

Materials

5 boxes of graduated size; sets of 5 objects which are the same except for being graduated in sizes (5 nails, buttons, corks, leaves, yarn, blocks, rocks, nuts, etc.); bag.

Procedures

1. As children sit around table, teacher puts all objects in a bag. Tell children that they will collect objects and put them in a line with big ones on one side and little ones on the other side.

2. Have children take turns putting hands into the bag and picking out one object apiece. Tell each child that this object is his/hers and that everyone will give, say, all the bits of yarn to John. After each child has his/her object, children continue reaching into the bag, taking out an object and giving it to the child it belongs to.

3. After each child has all his/her objects, (s)he will order objects. "Which one is the little one? Find one a little bit bigger." Children can measure objects by standing them up and judging height.

4. After objects have been sequenced, put out boxes. "Which object belongs in the little box? Which in the big box?" Have children sort all their objects into the appropriate boxes. When done, repeat activity with each child choosing a new object to collect.