Object x orientation (4x4): Inventor's workshop

Object x orientation (4x4): Inventors' workshop - learn to sort in a double-entry table.

Welcome to the inventors' workshop! In this interactive matrix activity for preschoolers, children work with different objects and their orientations. The task is to drag the images to the correct place in a 4x4 double-entry table. Children need to look carefully at two features at the same time: which object they see and which direction the object is facing.

The rows of the matrix contain different objects, such as a flashlight, rocket, binoculars and pencil. The columns indicate the orientation. By combining both features, children discover step by step which cell of the table each image belongs in. In this way, they learn through play to organize information according to two properties at the same time.

This 4x4 matrix activity encourages logical thinking, classification and problem-solving skills. Preschoolers learn to compare features, recognize matches and systematically search for the correct combination of row and column. A double-entry table also helps them visually understand relationships between different features.

Spatial orientation also plays an important role. Children must not only recognize which object is shown, but also pay attention to the direction it is facing. Concepts related to direction, position and orientation are therefore practised in a concrete and playful way.

The app also places a strong emphasis on language development. Thanks to extensive spoken support, preschoolers hear the names of the objects, instructions and other relevant concepts. By looking, listening and acting at the same time, new vocabulary is linked to concrete images and actions. This supports both language comprehension and listening skills.

By dragging and dropping the images into the correct cell, children also practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. The clear structure of the matrix encourages them to experiment independently, correct mistakes and try again.

This educational preschool activity is suitable for preschool teachers, learning support teachers, parents and caregivers who want to work on double-entry tables, matrix activities, sorting by two features, logical thinking, spatial orientation, classification, vocabulary, listening skills and digital literacy.

Let preschoolers explore like real young inventors to find where each flashlight, rocket, pair of binoculars and pencil belongs. In this way, they discover through play how a 4x4 matrix works while continuing to develop their language, spatial awareness and logical thinking skills.

In the online logbook, parents and teachers can easily review afterwards which apps were used and what results were achieved.

Learning goals

• Logical and mathematical thinking
  • Compare objects and images based on observable properties.
  • Recognize and distinguish properties such as color, shape, size, pattern, object, character, emotion, orientation and direction of movement.
  • Classify and organize images based on one or more characteristics.
  • Recognize and use similarities and differences between images to make a choice.
  • Take two criteria into account simultaneously: a row criterion and a column criterion.
  • Determine which image matches the combination of two given properties.
  • Establish logical relationships between row criteria, column criteria and the corresponding cells of a table.
  • Systematically examine and complete a double-entry table.
  • Solve a simple mathematical problem by comparing, combining and applying information.
  • Check a chosen solution based on the given properties.
  • Handle increasing complexity in 2 × 2, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 tables.
• Classifying and organizing
  • Group images based on a common characteristic.
  • Take more than one property into account when organizing images.
  • Select an image that belongs to both a specific row and a specific column.
  • Recognize that one image can have multiple properties at the same time.
  • Distinguish relevant characteristics from characteristics that are not important for the task.
  • Adjust a classification when a different criterion is used.
• Spatial orientation and structuring
  • Navigate within a grid with rows, columns and individual cells.
  • Understand the relationship between a row, a column and their intersection.
  • Place an image in the correct position within a two-dimensional structure.
  • Purposefully compare and distinguish positions within a grid.
  • Functionally use and understand concepts such as above, below, left, right, row, column and cell.
  • Navigate a visual structure clearly and systematically.
• Number sense
  • Recognize and distinguish concrete quantities.
  • Match quantities with appropriate number representations or numerals when these are used as a criterion.
  • Relate different representations of the same quantity to one another.
  • Compare and classify number representations, numerals and concrete quantities.
  • Use numerical properties as a criterion within a double-entry table.
• Visual perception and pattern recognition
  • Focus on characteristics of images and distinguish details from one another.
  • Visually recognize and compare shapes, colors, sizes, patterns and orientations.
  • Recognize regularity and recurring characteristics within rows and columns.
  • Analyze visual information to determine which image belongs in a particular position.
  • Focus attention on multiple visual characteristics simultaneously.
• Language development
  • Expand vocabulary related to properties such as color, shape, size, pattern, direction, quantity and position.
  • Understand concepts used to describe similarities and differences.
  • Understand simple oral instructions related to classifying, comparing and placing.
  • Name and describe properties of objects and images.
  • Explain why an image belongs to a particular combination of characteristics.
  • Functionally use mathematical concepts such as row, column, cell, same, different, larger, smaller, above, below, left and right.
• Problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Approach a task step by step and use an appropriate problem-solving strategy.
  • Examine the characteristics before placing an image.
  • Check a choice based on both criteria.
  • Recognize an error and adjust a solution when an image does not meet both conditions.
  • Analyze and solve a double-entry table with increasing independence.
  • Maintain attention and concentration during a multi-step task.
• Digital literacy
  • Use a digital application purposefully.
  • Perform drag-and-drop actions to place images in the correct cell of a grid.
  • Use digital feedback to check a solution and adjust it if necessary.
  • Work independently or with guidance on an interactive mathematical exercise.
• Motor development
  • Practice fine motor skills by purposefully dragging and dropping images.
  • Strengthen hand-eye coordination when using a mouse, touchscreen or interactive whiteboard.
  • Accurately place an image within a defined cell of a grid.
  • Act purposefully and with control within a digital environment.

QR code

You can use the downloadable QR code below to navigate directly to this app.