Categories Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.K.5.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

The concept of sorting is difficult at first for Kindergartens. It requires a new form of vocabulary and forces students to define a fixed criterion for the objects that they are sorting into various categories. When sorting items into categories it is best to focus on likeness and differences. We would encourage teachers to focus on likenesses first, as this is very visual and obvious. We want our students to experience success at first and then start to challenge them. Students are also asked to relatively compare an object to multiple objects at a time. Once students agree on the criteria, they are required to define that variable for all the objects they are sorting. This is a skill that starts simple, but will be visited again and again, through different formats, as they grow. These worksheets have students sort objects into either differing groups or like groups.

Categories Worksheets:

Name That Category - What do these three things have in common? Each box contains three items. Your job is to name the category to which these items belong in. The first one has been done for you.

Category of Color Crossword - Let's brush up on the color of different items in your world. : Use the clues to fill in the crossword puzzle. All clues relate to the category of color. Think of other categories and list three types of categories.

Sorting Items - Who doesn't love the category of "pizza"? Circle all the items that fall into the category of pizza.

Sorting Frequently Used Concepts - This is the first time students learn about the concept of a theme. The chart below shows a list of various items that belong in the categories of Seasons, Pies, Clothing, and Jewelry. Categorize the items by placing an S for seasons, P for pies, C for clothing, or J for jewelry in the empty box.

Sorting Objects - You determine your own categories for this worksheet. Sort the following objects into two categories. Label the categories and then list the objects.

Fill in the Venn Diagram - Using the word bank, fill in the Venn Diagram to show comparisons between the items.

Name That Category - Each box contains three items. Your job is to name the category to which these items belong in.

Category Word Search - What do they have in common? At the bottom of the worksheet, name the category that these items belong in.

Sorting Objects into Groups - Sort the pictures into three groups and write each objects name under the appropriate category in the table.

You Be the Referee - Categorize the items by placing an A for animal, F for food, S for sports, or C for camping in the empty box.

Category Word Search - Find the words in the word search. Then look at all the words. What do they have in common?

Using Venn Diagrams - Some are animals, some are things that fly, and some are both.

Sorting Foods - Sort the following foods in four categories. The four categories are Dairy, Drinks, Meat, and Vegetables. Some items may overlap.

Sorting Clothing - Circle all the items that fall into the category of summer clothing. Remember that is a warm time.

Sorting Things In My Home - Sort the following objects into two categories. Label the categories and then list the objects.

How to Teach the Concept of Categorization

The concept of categorization requires that students can clear find distinguishable attributes between the objects that they are sorting. This is often where we like to start. Have students begin by describing as many different qualities of various items as possible. It is helpful to do explore this with tangible objects that they can hold in their hands. Once they have a good fundamental understanding of this, they can move on identify a quality that exists in one of the objects, but not the color. The best thing to start with is often colors. Have them get plenty of practice with this. From there it is basically practice that helps fully develop these skills. Each time start them off with an example.


How to Sort Objects into Basic Categories?

It is imperative for students to learn sorting at an early age in school. The onus lies on teachers to ensure that their fledging students develop a basic sense of how to sort objects.


From an early age, children are naturally inclined to make sense and apply logic to scenarios. This means that students, particularly those who are enrolled in pre-school will show legitimate interest in sorting activities.


A pertinent example could be matching and categorizing activities. Teachers could use purpose built worksheets that enable children to exercise this technique and develop such skills. The ability to organize efficiently is a skill that children can use even when they mature into adult men and women. Therefore, teachers can encourage their students to learn from the earliest age possible.


It must be noted by teachers and parents alike that it is never too early for children in their nascent age to begin learning. For example, sorting skills manifest themselves in infancy before the child can reach an age where their skills reach fruition.


Similar to how it is easier for a child to learn the most at a younger age, sorting skills can be taught to them so that they can benefit from it for the rest of their lives. For example, experts believe that the best time for a person to learn a new language is when they are children.


This is why learning a new language becomes more difficult as we grow older. A 4-year-old child will find it easier to grasp a new language than a 30-year-old man. Likewise, sorting objects into their fundamental categories should be taught to children at the earliest possible age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Venn Diagrams Preview