Shape x concrete quantity (4x4): Counting gemstones

Shape x concrete quantity (4x4): Counting gemstones - sort gemstones by shape and number.

Which gemstone belongs in which place in the table? In this interactive preschool activity, children learn through play how to work with a double-entry table. The task consists of a 4x4 matrix in which children must drag gemstones to the correct cell. Each time, they need to consider two features at once: the shape of the gemstone and the concrete quantity.

In the rows, the gemstones are sorted according to their shape: round, triangular, square or rectangular. The columns represent the quantity: 1, 2, 3 or 4 gemstones. To find the correct cell, children must combine both features. For example, they learn to find the place where the row of round gemstones intersects with the column containing 3 gemstones.

This 4x4 matrix activity encourages logical thinking, classification and ordering. Children learn to recognise, compare and combine features. They discover that the correct position in a double-entry table is determined by both the row and the column. In doing so, they practise important thinking skills that will later be useful in mathematics, problem-solving and interpreting tables.

Counting also receives plenty of attention in this activity. Preschoolers recognise concrete quantities from 1 to 4 and learn to count and compare small numbers accurately. Because the quantities are represented visually using gemstones, number sense is developed in a concrete and understandable way.

In addition, this free educational app supports language development. The activity includes extensive spoken support, allowing children to hear words and concepts related to shapes, quantities, counting, rows, columns and position. By looking, listening, counting and dragging at the same time, new vocabulary is actively linked to what children see and do on the screen.

The activity also helps preschoolers develop focused observation skills. They need to pay attention to the differences between round, triangular, square and rectangular shapes while also checking how many gemstones are shown on a card. Combining these two properties supports visual perception, concentration and working memory.

Thanks to the simple drag-and-drop controls, children also practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. The free app is suitable for use on tablets, computers, interactive whiteboards and other digital learning environments.

This educational matrix activity is ideal for preschool teachers, support teachers, parents and caregivers looking for a playful way to work on double-entry tables, classification, shape recognition, quantities up to 4, counting, logical thinking, visual perception, vocabulary development and digital literacy.

Let children count and compare the gemstones and place them in the correct position in the 4x4 matrix, helping them playfully develop their understanding of shapes, quantities and double-entry tables.

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.