Picture Sorting: Features, Functions and Groups
Use reusable picture boards to sort objects by what they look like, what they do and the groups they belong to.

- Pages
- 46
- File type
- Subject
- Speech Therapy, Social Skills, Special Education Needs (SEN), Life Skills, Early Math, Special Resources, Math, ELA
- Resource types
- Activities
From the author
About this resource
Give students practice explaining how objects belong together by sorting large pictures according to features, uses and categories. The boards and picture cards support choices such as colour, texture or fruit versus vegetable, with preparation directions for making reusable materials. Start with familiar pictures, then broaden the selection and discuss how the same object can fit different categories depending on the sorting rule.
In the classroom
Teaching tips & learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Sort pictures by an observable feature — colour, temperature, texture or shape
- Sort pictures by function, deciding what an object is used for or where it is used
- Sort pictures by class, separating fruits from vegetables
Teaching tips
- Prepare only the boards and cards needed for the first session; print, laminate, cut and attach hook-and-loop dots as directed.
- Begin with a few familiar pictures, then add choices as students become comfortable.
- Discuss why a picture can belong to more than one category, such as something green that is also a vegetable.
Skills covered
- Sorting by colour, shape, texture or other known features
- Sorting by an object’s use or familiar location
- Naming and explaining picture choices
Good to know
Questions teachers ask about this resource
What materials are needed for the reusable version?
Provide lamination, cutting tools and hook-and-loop dots separately. The download supplies the printable boards and cards.
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Resource details
Core concepts
Core concepts
- Sorting and categorising
- Feature, function and class
- Vocabulary
- Visual discrimination
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