​​Pete the Cat Button Sorting Math Activity

Introduction

 

Noticing, naming, and sorting attributes are foundational early learning math skills. In this button-themed activity, children explore color and shape while they count, compare, and design. Our flexible template offers simple inspiration to engage every learner and build math concepts and vocabulary through play. 

 

Ages/Grades

 

Toddlers (with support)

Preschool

Early Elementary

 

Learning Domains

 

Mathematics

Fine Motor Skills

Language Development

 

Materials:

 

• • Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
• • Button Shirt Template
• • Bright Buttons, or for toddlers, Large Transparent Buttons

 

Preparation:

 

• • Prepare shirt templates, cut out if desired.
• • Create one complete set of buttons (one button for each shape). Keep these in a separate basket or container.
• • Collect the remaining buttons so children participating in the game can access them.

 

Introduce the Activity:

 

Read the book Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons. Discuss Pete’s buttons with children.

 

• • “Do the buttons on his shirt have attributes that are the same?”
• • “Are there attributes that are different?”
• • “What do you notice about the buttons on our shirt templates?
• • “Are the buttons on our template the same as Pete’s? Are they different?”

 

Introduce the button basket. Explore each button, describing attributes (colors, shapes) and counting the number of sides.

 

Note: If children are familiar with shapes, this may be a review. If some of the shapes are new, consider a longer discussion about each shape’s attributes and where you might see these shapes in your classroom.

 

Ready, Set, Play & Learn:

 

As you explain the game, model one round of play.

 

Choose a button from the button basket.

 

Hold up the button and ask children to name the shape.

 

Ask children to compare the button you are holding to the buttons on their shirts.
Does anyone have a button that is the same shape?

 

If a child has a match, prompt them to cover it with a matching button from their button collection.

 

Repeat the steps above until all button shapes have been called.

 

 

Engage Children in Conversation

 

Invite children to share:

 

• • How many buttons have you placed? How many do you have left?
• • Let’s think of all the ways we could describe our buttons. Beyond shape, what other attributes can we name?
• • Let’s look at our own clothing. How many buttons are on the clothes you’re wearing now?
• • Where else do we see buttons? 
• • Why do you think clothes have buttons?
• • What other types of fasteners do we use for our clothing?

 

Modifications

 

• For toddlers or children who may still mouth items, use larger buttons that are safe for younger children, like Large Transparent Buttons.

• Instead of using individual templates, play the game cooperatively as a group.

• As buttons are selected, ask children to make predictions about which button might be chosen next.

• Offer crayons or markers for children to color their buttons as they are chosen.

• Insert outlines of each button shape into the pockets of a photo block, then use as a die to determine which shape to cover.

• After introducing the game and materials, add the game materials to classroom interest areas for independent exploration.