3
Sorting coins
Learner’s Book 1: Unit 13, pp. 199–200
GoalSort coins into groups in different ways and label each group.
New words
sort · put things into groups that go togethergroup · things that go togetherlabel · a word or words that tell what a group is
Explanation
Here is a pile of coins to sort. We can sort coins into groups in different ways. One way is to sort by value: coins worth less than 5c, and coins worth 5c or more. Another way is to look at the number: one digit or two digits. With real coins we can also sort by colour or by size. Each group needs a label so that others know your rule. Every coin goes into one group only.
Worked examples
| less than 5c | 5c or more |
|---|---|
| 1c, 2c | 5c, 10c, 20c |
| one digit | two digits |
|---|---|
| 1c, 2c, 5c | 10c, 20c |
With real coins you can sort by colour or by size. A partner tries to guess your rule.
Class activity
Sort and label: take a handful of real coins, or paper circles with values on them. Sort them into 2 or 3 groups. Write a label for each group. Ask a partner to guess your rule. Then sort them a different way.
Practice
1
Use the rule ‘worth less than 5c’. Which of these coins belong in the group?
1c and 2c
2
Does 10c go in the group ‘less than 5c’ or in ‘5c or more’?
5c or more
3
Make your own rule to sort these coins into two groups.
Any sensible rule, such as one digit and two digits
4
Tom puts a 2c coin in the group ‘worth 5c or more’. Is that right?
No. 2 is less than 5.