Logic · 5 min

Sorting Activity for Kids: Guess the Sorting Rule

A 5-minute logic game: compare two groups of objects and find the one rule that separates every object.

This puzzle asks your child to compare shape and color across two groups. Being able to tell a circle from a triangle and red from blue is enough to start.

How to play

  1. Read both groups aloud or let your child read them. Ask what is shared by the two objects in each group.
  2. Let your child choose one rule, then check that it works for all four objects. If needed, point out the red object in each group.

You will need

Your turn

Group A: red circle, blue circle. Group B: red triangle, blue triangle. Which rule separates every object in Group A from every object in Group B?

Group A: red circle, blue circle. Group B: red triangle, blue triangle. Which rule separates every object in Group A from every object in Group B?
Answer and explanation

Both objects in A are circles, and both in B are triangles. Each group has one red and one blue object, so color does not separate them.

Make it easier

Read the objects one at a time and name each shape together before showing the choices.

Make it more challenging

Before showing the choices, ask your child to say a rule and test it against all four objects.

If you use real objects for a follow-up, choose pieces too large to swallow and supervise play.

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Sources

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