Shape x numeral (4x4): Magic laboratory

Shape x numeral (4x4): Magic laboratory - sort magical objects by shape and numeral.

Welcome to the magic laboratory! In this interactive matrix activity for preschoolers, children are challenged to drag different images to the correct place in a double-entry table. The task combines two characteristics: the shape of the object and the numeral associated with it. In this way, preschoolers learn through play to compare, combine and organise information.

The activity consists of a 4x4 matrix. Four different shapes are used in the rows: triangular, round, square and star-shaped. The columns contain the numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4. For each image, the child must look carefully at both characteristics and then determine which cell of the table the object belongs in.

By working with a double-entry table, preschoolers practise logical thinking and classification skills. They learn to recognise two properties at the same time and combine them. This requires more than simply looking at one characteristic: children must compare carefully, identify relationships and connect the correct row with the correct column.

Early numeracy is also encouraged. Preschoolers recognise and distinguish the numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 and learn to name these numeral symbols correctly. At the same time, they practise spatial concepts such as row, column, above, below, left and right. This matrix activity therefore provides valuable preparation for later mathematical skills.

Language development also plays an important role in the activity. The app contains extensive spoken support and clearly names the shapes, numerals and instructions. Preschoolers hear words and concepts such as triangular, round, square, star-shaped, numeral, row and column. By looking, listening and acting, new vocabulary is developed naturally and remembered more effectively.

The simple drag-and-drop controls also help children practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. The images can be intuitively dragged to the correct cell, making the activity suitable for use on tablets, computers, interactive whiteboards and other digital learning environments.

This educational preschool activity is ideal for preschool teachers, support teachers, parents and caregivers who want to work on double-entry tables, matrix activities, sorting and classification, shape recognition, numeral recognition, logical thinking, spatial orientation, vocabulary development and digital literacy.

Let preschoolers experiment in the magic laboratory and discover how shape and numeral together determine where each image belongs. In this way, they playfully practise important skills in mathematics, language, logical thinking and problem solving.

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.