Play Plan : Sorting

General Information:

Numeracy concept: Counting and Addition
Materials: 3 varieties of dry edible items (cashew, raisins, dates, peanuts, almonds, boiled chickpeas or anything that are not very easily breakable) – 5 of each item; 3 small bowls, 1 tray
Prerequisites: Counting
Number of players: 2 or more players

Game Overview and Basic Rules for Play:

The objective of this game is to sort the objects. This game can be played with more than two players. Each child will get different types of edible items (5 of each variety) on a tray and bowls to sort the given items. In a given time, those who sort the maximum number of items are the winners or the one who could sort all the items first is the winner of the game.

Play Session plans

• Session 1: 3 items – 5 each
• Before the session begins, mix all the 3 varieties of items and keep them on the tray.
• Keep 3 bowls next to each other near the tray.
• Allow the players to explore and identify the items for a minute.
• Tell them that they are going to sort each of these items and drop them in separate bowls. Give them the freedom to do it their way.
• The facilitator gives the go-ahead command by saying “start” and start the timer.
• Once the time is up, the facilitator gives command to “stop” the game.
• Keep the tray aside and each player would start counting the number of items in each bowl. They would calculate and do the total.
• The one who holds the maximum number of items in all is the winner of the game.

Session 2: 3 items – random number

• Play the same game with items of different quantity. For example, 5 cashews, 7 raisins, 8 peanuts
• The challenge would be to keep only 5 items in each bowl. If they have more, they will have to remove the extras.
• The one who could sort the maximum number of items within the given time is the winner of the game.

Session 3: 5 or 6 varieties – random number

• To make this game a little more complicated, keep 5 to 6 varieties of each item and allow the players to figure out how many different varieties are there.
• Once they are able to identify all the varieties, only then the facilitator keeps that many numbers of bowls.
• The facilitator can adjust the time based on the fun and interest level of the players.