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1.      Discuss the different attributes of the items being sorted.  For example, if sorting attribute blocks give the students time to handle them and to discuss their differences – thick, thin, color, size, shape.  Be sure to introduce and discuss the vocabulary words thick, thin, color, size, shape, alike, different.

2.      Have students work with a partner to decide how to sort the items.  They should give a title to each circle and place the shapes in the correct circle, i.e. red, not red.

3.      Allow the students to explore and discuss the different ways they can sort the shapes.

4.      After allowing students to use the attribute blocks or other structured sort items for several days, give them a variety of items and allow them to look for ways to sort.  One way to do this is to give them a collection of small toys.  They may decide to sort the toys based on toys that have wheels and toys that don’t.