Early Years Maths Activity: Sorting Socks

Develop children’s mathematical understanding by using everyday items to sort into matching pairs. Socks are a great way to look at patterns, similarities and differences, and provide problem solving opportunities for children.  

Learning aims

  • Look for similarities and differences 
  • Use and develop mathematical language   
  • Problem solve and make decisions. 

Resources you will need

  • A selection of different coloured and patterned socks 
  • Baskets (optional). 

Sorting Socks activity guide

  1. Invite children to look at the different socks you have gathered. Use mathematical language to describe the socks, e.g. long, short, wide, pairs. Discuss the patterns and colours you can see on the socks, such as spots, stripes, pictures etc. 
  1. Talk about how socks come in pairs, ask children to show each other the socks they are wearing, encouraging them to talk about the features of their socks 
  1. Ask children to sort the socks against different aspects, e.g. adult and child socks, the colours of the socks, those that have patterns and those that are plain colours etc. 
  1. Ask the children to sort the socks into pairs 
  1. Invite the children to lead the sorting by asking, “How shall we sort the socks?” and encourage them to consider different grouping categories 
  1. Pose questions, e.g. “Do we have more long socks or short socks?”, “Are there more red socks or blue socks?” 
  1. Be flexible and follow the children’s ideas and engagement level. 

How can you extend this Sorting Socks activity?

Provide a basket of socks, accessible to children so they can continue to explore the sorting activity in the continuous provision. 

Back to myNDNA

Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

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