Sorting socks

This is possibly the most ‘multipurpose’ activity you can share with your child. It is scientific – using observation and classification skills. Your child will sort, compare and discuss what they discover. AND your child will be helping with the housework – and it’s good they understand the importance of that!

 What do I need?

• A basket of clean, matching socks

 How do I do it?

1. Grab your laundry basket, sit down with your child and take out the socks.
2. As you do, you can start to ask questions:
   • How many socks are there altogether?
   • How many pairs of socks would that be?
   • What else comes in pairs or twos?
3. Use these words and phrases: pairs, sorting, the same, different, similar, etc.
4. Ask your child how else the socks can be sorted –such as:
   • by the wearer (whoever is in the household)
   • by size (smallest to largest)
   • by colour (red, blue, white)
   • by type (sports, school, hiking)
5. Make two piles – put a sock from each pair in each pile. Take a sock from one pile so the other person can’t see and describe it so they can find the matching pair in their pile.
6. You can also pose a problem: 6 friends go for a walk on the mountain. How many gloves would they need to have a pair each? Think up other problem-solving questions.
7. Finally, ask your child to help you pair up the socks! Now that’s a job well done!

No-one knows your child better than you.  So, choose and/or adapt ideas here to best suit you and your child. Remember it’s the talking and time spent together that matters most.