Shape x dot pattern (4x4): Robot-factory shapes

Shape x number pattern (4x4): Robot factory shapes – sort shapes and number patterns in a double-entry table.

Welcome to the robot factory! In this interactive matrix activity for preschool children, children work with different shapes and number patterns. The task is challenging and fun: drag each picture to the correct place in a 4 by 4 double-entry table. To find the correct cell, children must consider two features at the same time.

In the rows, the pictures are sorted according to their shape: triangular, star-shaped, square or round. In the columns, children look at the number pattern on a die: 1, 2, 3 or 4. By combining both features, they discover step by step where each picture belongs.

This 4x4 matrix activity stimulates logical thinking and the ability to organise information. Children learn to compare, recognise features, classify and use two properties at the same time. In this way, they develop important skills that form a foundation for mathematical thinking, problem-solving and understanding double-entry tables.

Early numeracy also receives plenty of attention. Children practise recognising dice patterns up to 4 and learn to quickly link these number patterns to a quantity. By repeatedly looking at the number patterns and combining them with different shapes, their understanding of quantity and number recognition are strengthened in a playful way.

This free educational app also stimulates language development. Thanks to extensive spoken support, children hear words and concepts related to the activity, such as round, square, triangular, star-shaped, row, column and number pattern. By looking, listening and acting, new concepts are understood and remembered more effectively.

The activity also helps children learn to observe accurately. They must not only look at the shape of a picture, but also recognise the dice pattern at the same time. This allows them to practise visual discrimination, concentration, attention 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 educators looking for a playful way to work on double-entry tables, shape recognition, number patterns, dice patterns, sorting, classification, logical thinking, early numeracy, vocabulary and digital literacy.

Let children discover the robot factory through play and teach them to combine shapes and number patterns in a clear 4x4 matrix. In this way, they gradually develop their logical, mathematical and language thinking.

In the online logbook, parents and teachers can easily review afterwards which apps were played 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.