Numeral x numeral (4x4): The sweet factory

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Digit x digit (4x4): The candy factory - sort candies in a double-entry table.

Welcome to the candy factory! In this interactive matrix activity for preschool children, children work with the digits 1 to 4. The task is clear and challenging: drag the images to the correct place in a 4x4 double-entry table. To find the correct cell, children must consider both the digit for the row and the digit for the column each time.

This educational activity helps preschool children understand step by step how a matrix or double-entry table works. They learn to compare and combine two characteristics at the same time. In this activity, both characteristics are digits: the rows contain the digits 1, 2, 3 and 4, and the columns are also made up of the digits 1, 2, 3 and 4. By looking carefully in both directions, children discover which cell each image belongs in.

Children practise their logical thinking, visual perception, concentration and problem-solving skills. They must combine information from the row and the column and learn to search systematically for the correct combination. In this way, they develop important skills that will also be useful later for ordering, classifying, reading tables and mathematical thinking.

In addition, this free app supports the development of number sense. Children recognise and distinguish the digits 1, 2, 3 and 4 and learn to use them purposefully within a clear structure. By working with the same digits both horizontally and vertically, digit recognition and understanding of combinations are strengthened in a playful way.

Language development also has an important place in the activity. Thanks to the many spoken instructions and auditory support, children hear words, concepts and instructions while they are actively engaged. Concepts such as row, column, digit, place, above, next to and combination can therefore be developed and repeated within a meaningful context.

The simple drag-and-drop controls make the activity accessible to young children. While dragging, children also practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. The free app can be used on tablets, computers, interactive whiteboards and other digital learning environments.

This 4x4 matrix activity is ideal for preschool teachers, support teachers, parents and caregivers who want to work playfully on double-entry tables, digits from 1 to 4, logical thinking, classification, visual discrimination, concentration, number sense, listening skills and digital literacy.

Let children discover in the candy factory how much fun it is to combine digits and drag images to the correct place in a double-entry table. In this way, they continue to develop their mathematical understanding, language development and thinking skills through play.

In the online logbook, parents and teachers can easily check 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.