Mathematics · Foundation

Active learning ideas

Same and Different

Active learning helps young students grasp 'Same and Different' because comparison requires movement, touch, and discussion. Handling objects directly builds memory for attributes like texture and size, while talking about them solidifies vocabulary and concepts.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9M6SP02

• 20–35 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 30 min · Pairs

Sorting Tray Challenge: Colours and Shapes

Provide trays with mixed buttons, blocks, and beads. Instruct pairs to sort into groups by one attribute, then switch attributes and explain changes. End with students creating their own sort and challenging others.

How are these two objects the same? How are they different?

Facilitation Tip

During the Sorting Tray Challenge, circulate and ask students to explain why they placed an object in a particular section, prompting them to name all relevant attributes.

What to look for

Present students with three objects (e.g., a red block, a blue block, a red ball). Ask: 'Which object does not belong? Tell me why.' Observe student responses for their ability to articulate reasoning based on attributes.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Whole Class

Which One Doesn't Belong: Group Discussion

Display four objects or pictures on the board or floor. Ask whole class to vote and share why one does not fit, rotating who leads the discussion. Record reasons on chart paper.

Can you find something in the room that is the same shape as this block?

Facilitation Tip

In Which One Doesn't Belong, model uncertainty by saying 'I think this one might belong, but I'm not sure. Can you help me decide?' to encourage open-ended thinking.

What to look for

Give each student a picture of a common object (e.g., an apple). Ask them to draw or write two things that are the same about the apple and two things that are different from another object you show them (e.g., a banana). Collect these to check for comparative understanding.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Individual

Attribute Hunt: Classroom Scavenger

Give each student a card with an attribute like 'red and round.' They hunt for matching items, then pair up to compare finds and sort into 'same' or 'different' piles.

Which of these things does not belong in this group , and why?

Facilitation Tip

For the Attribute Hunt, pair students to share their finds before bringing objects to the whole group to practice describing attributes aloud.

What to look for

Place a collection of classroom objects (e.g., crayons, toy cars, blocks) in the center. Ask: 'Can you find two things that are the same shape? Can you find two things that are the same color?' Facilitate a brief group discussion where students share their findings and explain their choices.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Think-Pair-Share
• 35 min · Small Groups

Pattern Sort Extension: Repeating Chains

Students link blocks or cards by matching attributes to continue patterns. Small groups build chains, then swap to identify and continue another's pattern.

How are these two objects the same? How are they different?

Facilitation Tip

Have students work in pairs during the Pattern Sort Extension to negotiate the sequence and justify their choices using attribute language.

What to look for

Present students with three objects (e.g., a red block, a blue block, a red ball). Ask: 'Which object does not belong? Tell me why.' Observe student responses for their ability to articulate reasoning based on attributes.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers use concrete materials first, then move to pictorial and symbolic representation to support gradual abstraction. Avoid rushing to worksheets; instead, focus on oral language development to describe attributes. Research shows that children learn comparison best through repeated, guided sorting tasks where they articulate their reasoning to peers and adults.

Students will confidently point out multiple attributes when comparing objects and explain their reasoning clearly. They will also show flexibility in identifying groups and non-members, understanding that there can be more than one valid answer.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Sorting Tray Challenge, watch for students who group objects by color alone and ignore shape or size.

  Prompt students to name all attributes by asking, 'Is there another way these objects are the same? What about their shape or size?' Model touching and describing each attribute before placing objects in trays.

• During Attribute Hunt, watch for students who focus only on obvious differences like size and miss subtle traits like texture.

  Create tactile exploration stations with labeled containers (e.g., 'smooth,' 'rough,' 'bumpy') and require students to touch and describe each object before identifying matches.

• During Which One Doesn't Belong, watch for students who believe there is only one correct answer.

  Facilitate a whole-class vote and record multiple justifications on chart paper. Ask, 'Can you think of another reason this object doesn't belong?' to model flexible reasoning and build confidence in explaining diverse perspectives.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share