Classification Activity
Pre-K & K

This activity involves having the children examine the contents of five plastic boxes and determine which of the contents of the boxes does not belong with the other items. All but one object in each box can be considered in the same category by the nature of the object. Children are to identify the common characteristic of all items except the one that does not belong in the same category as the rest. The children should be asked to explain their choice in order to verify and re-enforce their understanding. The teacher should assist the student in their explanation in order to develop communication skills. Here are the items that I used in the activity:

Box 1 - Object with which to write.
Pencil Marker
Pen Plastic Turtle
Crayon
Box 2 - Objects that hold things in containers.
Peanut Butter Jar Lid Soap Bottle Cap (tall)
Juice Bottle Lid Extra Large Button
Squeeze Bottle Cap
Box 3 - Objects that hold hair in place.
Bow Berret Clamp Berett
Plain Berett Eraser
Pony Tail Holder
Box 4 - Objects of Furniture
Plastic Couch PlasticTable
Plastic Chair Plastic Car
Plastic Hutch
Box 5 - Objects of Jewelry
Necklace Ear Rings
Ring Toy Rabbit
Bracelet

For the target age group, the teacher will need to record the child's results for them. I have prepared a check list to help record the information needed to evaluate the child's progress and understanding of the thought process. Children might have unexpected criteria for the correct "guess", so remembering their reason for the selection is valuable for monitoring long term progress. The teacher should make sure that the student understands the use and/or characteristics of each object in each set.

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