Matching and Sorting

Matching is the process in which we connect any two similar objects which are given in two different sets. When more than two objects are grouped together based on a common characteristic, it is known as sorting. Numbers can be easily learnt using number skills like matching, sorting, classifying, ordering, counting and comparing.

When two similar objects can be identified on the basis of their common properties, the process is known as matching. Matching can be done on the basis of color, size, shape, number, etc. A sense of observation is the very first step to learn matching. A game of colorful objects collected and grouped together can be a creative game for kids to learn this skill. Colour matching and shape matching is one of the best examples with which students can match objects easily.

The following figure shows how objects can be matched on the basis of shape. The circle can be matched with the circle, the pentagon can be matched with the pentagon, the triangle can be matched with the triangle and the rectangle can be matched with the rectangle.

When we are able to identify similarities and differences among a set of objects, this process is termed as sorting. In another words, sorting is ordering, comparing, contrasting and a systematic arrangment of various objects in a group. If we are able to match more than two objects, this means we are moving from matching to sorting. Therefore, sorting is an extension to matching. It involves separation of objects into 2 or more groups according to the similarities. Kids can learn sorting at home through simple tasks like separating silverware, groceries, or laundry clothes. Sorting can be done easily on the basis of size, color, texture, etc.

Observe the shapes given below. These can be sorted on the basis of their shape, color or the number of sides. For example, if we sort them according to their color, we can put them in 4 groups. The shapes in pink can be sorted in Group A, the shapes in green can be put together in Group B, the shapes in yellow can be put together in Group C, and the shapes in blue can be grouped in Group D.

The main difference between matching and sorting is that matching is usually done between two objects and sorting involves separating objects into groups according to their similarities and it is usually done on more than two objects. Observe the following figure which shows three rows with bunches of different fruits.

If you match the bananas in the first row with the ones in the second row, then it is called matching. If you differentiate all the colored fruits and group them, then it is called sorting. The process of matching is done on two items, while sorting is done on any number of items. There needs to be a common ground for matching or sorting to be done.