LightMySky

Sorting Data into Categories

Organise and represent data with up to three categories by counting objects in each category and sorting categories by quantity

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What a learner can do afterwards

  • Sort a set of objects into 2-3 given categories and count each group
  • Create a simple table or list showing category names and counts
  • Order categories from most to fewest or fewest to most

The lesson

You already know how to sort things into groups, like putting red counters in one pile and blue counters in another. The next step is to count how many are in each group and write those counts down. That turns your sorted piles into information anyone can read.

Red5Blue3Yellow2
This chart shows 5 red counters, 3 blue counters, and 2 yellow counters.
Try it together

Mia sorts her stickers into stars, hearts, and circles. She counts 4 stars, 6 hearts, and 3 circles, then writes: Stars = 4, Hearts = 6, Circles = 3. Now anyone can look at her list and know exactly how many of each shape she has.

Stars4Hearts6Circles3
Good to know

After you count, put the groups in order too. Find the biggest number first, then list the rest from most to fewest (or fewest to most). That makes it easy to see which group wins.

Sort, count each group, write the counts down, then order the groups from most to fewest.

Watch it

Where it sits

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

Sorting Data into Categories · Mathematics, ages 6 to 8 · LightMySky