Penguin possibilities: Sorting by attributes

This lesson is designed to help students observe details and explore ways that objects, in this case penguins, can be sorted by various attributes such as size, color, etc.

A lesson plan for grade K Mathematics

By Shyrl Stadler

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Related topics

• Learn more about cooperative learning, hands-on, mathematics, similarities and differences, and sorting.

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Learning outcomes

Students should learn to observe similarities and differences in objects and be able to sort these objects into various categories based upon their attributes.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

20 minutes

Materials/resources

Pictures of penguins in various sizes, colors, and with distinctive markings. You may use actual pictures of penguins if you have them available. I used a simple cartoon drawing of a penguin which I then duplicated in three different sizes. I made at least 8 of each size. On half of these I traced a bow tie. I then colored the birds so that no two were identical but all had at least one similarity to another penguin. I varied details such as eye, beak, and bow tie color.

Pre-activities

Students will need some familiarity with the concept of same/different. They should be able to recognize basic colors and distinguish objects by sizes such as small, medium, and large. It would also be helpful for students to be able to name the body parts of a penguin such as the beak, feathers, eyes, feet, chest, etc. Reading several books on penguins and discussing the differences between various types is a good preparatory activity. I recommend the book, A New True Book: Penguins by Emilie U. Lepthien as a good source of pictures and basic information.

Activities

1. The teacher introduces the lesson by telling students that last night there was a mix-up in the penguin rookery. A terrible blizzard came through the area sweeping penguins out of their nests and now they are separated from their families. Our task is to try and figure out which penguins belong together and help them get back to their homes.
2. Divide the class into partner groups of 2 or 3 students. Give each group several penguin pictures. Ask them to talk among themselves and compare the penguins. They should determine how they are the same and how they are different. Have the teacher record the similarities and differences that are named on the board.
3. Now combine each of the smaller groups with another group. Assign each of the newly formed larger groups one of the attributes that the class named. As a little added fun, whisper the attribute that the group is to use to one of the group members and let that student inform the others in the group. The groups will then sort by the attribute that they were given. When the groups have finished sorting they will take turns identifying the attributes that the other groups used for sorting. If time permits, let each group select a different attribute and re-sort their birds into a different group.
4. Discuss with the class the various ways that the penguins were sorted and then have the students vote to select their favorite arrangement. If you have space available on a bulletin board, have the students arrange the birds into groups and place them in nests according to attributes. The task is finished when all the birds are sorted by “families” into a nest. To assist students in correctly placing the penguins you may wish to place a symbol on each nest to identify who goes in it. You might, for example, create a blue bow tie or a brown eye as an identifying symbol or write the words: small, medium, and large, etc. to serve as prompts. (If you do not have space on a bulletin board, simply make some nests out of construction paper and use them as sorting mats.)

Assessment

Student performance is assessed through teacher observation, student responses to questions and their interaction with others in problem solving.

Supplemental information

Comments

Other Penguin Possibilities:

1. After the class has had the fun of sorting the penguins together, use the penguins and their nests as a sorting activity during centers. You may wish to have some blank penguin color sheets where students can design their own penguins to add to the families.
2. Use the following rhyme to encourage students to think and sort.
   One little penguin left the rookery last night.
   All the penguins with ______________followed.
   Oh, what a sight!
   Students quote the rhyme and one attribute such as “a red bow tie” is inserted either by a student or the teacher. Students may then waddle the birds matching that description up the front to be placed in a nest.