Number Sort (Small Group)

1-A-S-1

Purpose: Gain facility in discriminating between numerals and letters

Description: Students practice discriminating between numerals and letters by sorting a mixed group.

Materials

  • Numeral Sort Cards
  • Blank cards (optional)
Number Sort

What To Say and Do

  • 1

    Lay the numerals out in order while saying the number word for each.

  • 2

    With the numerals displayed in front of the students, direct them to take notice using prompts, such as: 

    • Tell me what you see. 
    • What are these called?
    • Where might you see numbers used?
  • 3

    Move numerals to the side. With the letters displayed in front of the students, direct them to take notice of them using prompts, such as:

    • Tell me what you see. 
    • What are these called?  
    • Where might you see letters used?
  • 4

    Mix in the letters with the numerals. Inform students that the deck of cards now has a mix of letters and numerals and needs to be sorted to find all the numbers.

  • 5

    Sort the cards into two piles identified as letters and numbers. Have one student at a time draw a card from the mixed-up deck and identify it as a letter or number. As the cards are sorted, facilitate discussions about the decisions made. Asking questions and providing prompts such as:

    • What can help you to know if this is or is not a number or letter?
    • Confirm the card is a number then provide its name, “Yes, this is number, and it is called 4.”
    • Highlight why a certain letter is not a number even though they may look similar (e.g., 9 and p).
  • 6

    When all cards have been sorted, revisit each pile to ensure they are accurate.

  • 7

    Wrap up the activity by placing the numerals 1-10 out in order while saying the number word for each. After they have heard all the names again, ask prompts such as:

    • Which one is the 6? 
    • Point to the 3. 

Variations

To reduce the possible choices of numbers, use only numbers 1-5.

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