Sorting Circles
This unique set of magnets includes everything you need to start sorting and grouping using Venn-diagrams. The set includes magnets to create three 10” circles as well as 108 tiles in four different shapes, three sizes and three colors to sort with. The following activities are suggestions to get you started
using the Magnetic Sorting Circles.
Grouping Activity
Arrange two of the magnetic circles so they form a Venn-diagram. (See Figure A.) Give the students the large squares and large circles of one color and the large triangles and large circles of another color. Have students group the shapes by color in the two main circles. Ask them what is the same between the two groups (both groups have circles). Explain how the center represents a union of the two groups meaning something that is the same for both groups. Have the students move all the circles to the center. (See Figure B.) Repeat the activity again using different shapes, this time allowing the students discover on their own what should be in the center.
Grouping with three
Grouping shapes by color, shape, and size is a more complex concept for students. Arrange the Venn-diagram using all three circles. (See Figure C.) Ask the students where they think the unions between the three circles are. Explain how the top two circles form a union, the top left and bottom circle form a union, the top right and bottom circle form a union, and finally all three circles form unions. To demonstrate this, arrange the circles on a magnetic write and wipe board. Shade in the different union areas with colored markers so the students can visually see where the unions are formed.
Next, choose 15 students. Give each student one of the following colored shapes:
One of each Red: large circle, small circle, large square, small square, and small star
One of each Blue: large circle, medium circle, large triangle, small triangle, small star
One of each Yellow: large square, small square, large triangle, medium triangle, small star.
