As part of our unit on weather with Mother Goose Time, we cut out and decorated kites of three different sizes. We then used counting bears to sort by three different colors and three different sizes. We practiced creating and repeating patterns based on color and size. For instance two patterns we used with the counting bears were as follows:
- two red, two blue, repeat
- one big, one medium, two small, repeat
This activity is simple and fun and provides practice with small motor, measurement, sorting, color, size, and pattern recognition.
Ordering Kites – Small Group Math
Supplies
- Counting Bears*
- Paper kites*
- Ribbon*
- Paper
- Markers
- Scissors
- Tape
*These materials were provided by Mother Goose Time.
Prep
Cut out the kites and tape a piece of ribbon to each one.
Discuss and Explore
Set out the kites and counting bears.
What colors are the bears and kites?
What sizes are they?
Observe as children touch and explore the materials.
Play Together
Invite children to sort the counting bears into three piles; small, medium, and large.
Order the kites from smallest to largest, as well.
Invite a child to find a small bear and place it on a small kite.
Continue sorting bears on the kites.
Simplify
Set out two sizes of bears and kites. Sort by size.
Challenge
Give children various verbal directions, such as “put a big bear on a small kite.”
Observe
Was the child able to distinguish between the three sizes?
Did the child sort the bears in at least two different ways?
Our Experience
All three kids loved playing with the counting bears. In addition to sorting the pairs and creating and repeating the patterns, the kids used them for a variety of make believe and free play. The bears drove construction equipment in the backyard and participated in multiple recreations of a variety of fairy tales. String was attached to the kites, so the kids could see if they could actually get them to fly. They were ultimately tied to our bird feeder pole and used as impromptu wind socks. The kids were thrilled to see that the smallest kite would fly with the smallest amount of wind.
The activity is simple and fun. The counting bears and kites are a creative and fun way to get the kids sorting and thinking about patterns and measurement.
Enjoy!
