Sorting and Graphing Cars

This morning we did a quick math activity. I saw the idea on Instagram (@mykindergarden) and since Monkey has quite an extensive collection of cars I knew it was perfect! 

Supplies: bristol board, markers, cars of assorted colours (or any collection of coloured toys)

First, I made the graph on the bristol board by dividing it into eight sections; one for every colour of the rainbow plus black and white. 

Next, I cut out some squares of cardstock and we coloured them each of the eight colours. Originally, I was going to colour right on the bristol board, but then I realized I wouldn't be able to use it for anything else. 

I was using my Sharpies and of course Monkey wanted to help.. He doesn't get many opportunities to use Mommy's special markers! 

Once all the squares were coloured, we taped them into the bottom of the poster. I set out a basket of Monkey's cars beside it.  

Monkey got right to work sorting his cars. 

He was so careful and thoughtful about placing the cars. For some colours, he would rearrange them all when adding another car to the line. I wish I knew why! 

Before long, he had all the cars sorted. And look at how perfectly spaced they all are! I wonder who he learned that from? :)

I knew I had about three minutes to squeeze in some discussion before he wanted to play with the cars.

 

Well, my wonderful little boy beat me to it. The first thing he said after he was done was, "Look Mommy, the blue and the red and the yellow all have the same!" I asked how many and he yelled, "Four!!"

Next I asked him which ones have the smallest amount of cars, as well as some number specific questions such as, which colour has two cars? 

Finally I asked what else he noticed and he said, "They are all different colours (listed them), some are long, and some are alone." 

That's some seriously good math talk for a three year old!

Mar