Parenting 

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Sorting machine

The sorting machine makes learning classification skills fun. Younger children will learn how to discriminate between big and small shapes.

What this activity will develop:
Science and thinking skills

What you'll need:

• Four boxes (same size)
• Scissors
• Tools for making holes (nails, pen, knitting needle)
• Tape
• Small pebbles
• Gravel
• Sand

Setting up:

1. Mark A, B and C on three boxes. Cut holes in the bottom of box A, which are big enough for the pebbles to pass through.
2. Poke holes in the bottom of box B large enough for a piece of gravel to pass through.
3. Poke holes large enough for a grain of sand to pass through in the bottom of box C.
4. Stack the boxes on top of each other: box A on top, B in the middle, and C on the bottom. Place the fourth box below box C. Tape the boxes together.

What to do:

1. Put the pebbles, gravel and sand in box A. Shake the boxes gently until all of the materials have disappeared.
2. Remove the tape and check the boxes to see where the materials ended up.

Variations:
Try sorting other materials: buttons, marbles of different sizes, coins, birdseed, breakfast cereals or popped and unpopped popcorn kernels. Size the holes in the boxes accordingly.

 

Select more skills:
• Listening Skills
• Math Skills
• Motor Skills Help
• Science Fun
• Reading Skills
• Vocabulary Builder

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