Plant/Animal Kingdom Sorting
Rooted in Neurodevelopment-
See the Guided Lesson Plan
High quality materials
Eco-Happy
Fun & Engaging Activities
Ages/Stages
Common Core
Our Plant/Animal Kingdom Sorting cards are real-photo cards students sort into two groups: plants and animals. It follows living/non-living sorting in Montessori classification work, dividing living things into the two kingdoms students know best.
The picture cards have no printed words, so pre-readers can sort by looking and discussing. When students begin reading, add the two sorting labels so they read each category name as they work.
What's included
- 16 cards: 7 plants, 7 animals, and 2 sorting labels
- Picture cards have real photos and no text, which can distract pre-readers
- Approx. 3¾" x 4¼" (picture cards) and 3½" x 2" (sorting labels)
- Eco-laminated with a food-grade laminate and rounded corners
- Sturdy clear reclosable bag for storage
- Lesson plan included
You can display these cards in our medium cloth pouches (sold separately).
Also available in Spanish.
Created by a Montessori teacher and a zoologist. Eco-printed in our rural New England office.
Made in the USA. CPSIA compliant.
Note: Photos may change from those pictured.
Why does sorting matter for reading?
Vocabulary and background knowledge are two of the language strands that support reading comprehension (Scarborough, 2001). Sorting builds both. Students practice their vocabulary by naming and discuss what makes something a plant or an animal, knowledge they will draw on when they later read about the natural world.
Learning how words relate to one another through classification activities is also part of how we build gist and the word webs that support literacy.
How do you use plant/animal sorting cards?
First, make sure students know the name of each picture, using the three-period lesson if needed. Then discuss how plants and animals differ: plants make their own food from sunlight, while animals get their food by eating other living things. Finally, invite students to sort the cards into two groups. For students who are reading, place the "plant" and "animal" labels at the top of each column. When this sort is comfortable, move on to invertebrates/vertebrates sorting.
What ages is this for?
Typically ages 4 and up. Pre-readers sort the pictures while students who are reading add the sorting labels. The cards also work well for English learners and in intervention settings.
Choose options
Knowledge Bank
Recommended Articles
Download a PDF of our materials
Follow Us
