Given pictures of living and nonliving things, children will sort the pictures based on characteristics of the figures in the pictures.

Adaptations specific to this investigation are included in the resource.

• Provide larger images for easier visibility
• Place images on card stock or other inflexible material for easier grasping
• Use figures instead of pictures to increase engagement and allow for easier manipulation

• the array of pictures
• Set out one picture for each category and have children sort the rest
• Model sorting a few of the pictures and ask children to help you continue sorting the rest
• Bring attention to specific animal parts and characteristics and ask children to help you find more animals with these parts and characteristics.
• Provide a T chart or other graphic organizer to help children keep pictures organized.
• Add Velcro to the back of pictures and have children stick pictures on carpet or other surface so the pictures don’t get mixed up or moved around as children sort.