Object x numeral - number of parts (4x4): Monster eyes

Object x numeral - number of parts (4x4): Monster eyes

How many eyes does each little monster have, and where does it belong in the table? In this colourful and interactive matrix activity, preschool children learn to sort images in a double-entry table. The task is both challenging and playful: drag each little monster to the correct cell while taking two characteristics into account at the same time. Different little monsters are shown in the rows, while the columns contain the numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4. Step by step, children find the correct combination of monster type and number of eyes.

This 4x4 matrix activity stimulates logical thinking and the ability to organise information. Preschool children learn to recognise, compare and combine two properties at the same time. First, they look at which little monster is shown in the image and then determine how many eyes it has. By linking both characteristics, they discover through play how a double-entry table works.

Early mathematical development also receives plenty of attention. Children practise recognising the numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 and link each numeral to a specific quantity. By counting the monsters' eyes, they strengthen their number sense, counting skills and understanding of quantities. The combination of counting, numeral recognition and sorting makes this activity particularly suitable as preparation for later mathematics education.

This free app also stimulates language development. Thanks to the many spoken instructions and auditory feedback, preschool children hear words and concepts related to the task. Concepts such as monster, eye, row, column, numeral, number, above, below and next to can acquire meaning while playing. By looking, listening, counting and acting, new vocabulary is better understood and remembered.

The activity also helps preschool children observe purposefully and recognise differences and similarities. They need to look carefully at both the shape of the little monster and the number of eyes. In this way, they train their visual discrimination, concentration, working memory and problem-solving skills.

Thanks to the simple drag-and-drop controls, children also practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. They drag the images to the correct cell in the 4x4 table and receive immediate feedback on their choices. 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, logical thinking, classification, sorting, numeral recognition, counting to 4, quantities, number sense, visual perception, vocabulary development and digital literacy.

Let children explore the funny little monsters, count their eyes and discover the correct position in the matrix. In this way, they build a strong foundation for logical thinking, mathematical understanding, language and learning through play.

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