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This unique set of magnets includes everything you need to start sorting and
grouping using Venn-diagrams. The set includes magnets to create three 10”
circles as well as 108 tiles in four different shapes, three sizes and three colors to
sort with. The following activities are suggestions to get you started
using the Magnetic Sorting Circles.
Grouping Activity
Arrange two of the magnetic circles so they form a Venn-diagram. (See Figure A.)
Give the students the large squares and large circles of one color and the large
triangles and large circles of another color. Have students group the shapes by color
in the two main circles. Ask them what is the same between the two groups (both
groups have circles). Explain how the center represents a union of the two groups
meaning something that is the same for both groups. Have the students move all the
circles to the center. (See Figure B.) Repeat the activity again using different shapes,
this time allowing the students discover on their own what should be in the center.
Grouping with three
Grouping shapes by color, shape, and size is a more complex concept for students.
Arrange the Venn-diagram using all three circles. (See Figure C.) Ask the students
where they think the unions between the three circles are. Explain how the top two
circles form a union, the top left and bottom circle form a union, the top right and
bottom circle form a union, and finally all three circles form unions. To demonstrate
this, arrange the circles on a magnetic write and wipe board. Shade in the different
union areas with colored markers so the students can visually see where the unions
are formed.
Next, choose 15 students. Give each student one of the following colored shapes:
One of each Red: large circle, small circle, large square, small
square, and small star
One of each Blue: large circle, medium circle, large triangle,
small triangle, small star
One of each Yellow: large square, small square, large triangle,
medium triangle, small star.
LER 1288
Sorting Circles
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