Operational objectives of the “Colorful Mathematics with Korbo” program
(in accordance with the core curriculum of preschool education)
- Compares, groups, and classifies objects according to one or several features (e.g. color, shape, size).
- Develops the ability to notice similarities and differences.
- Uses ordinal terms (e.g. first, last).
- Recognizes and names numerals.
- Matches numerals to the number of objects.
- Orders numbers in ascending and descending order.
- Counts elements in a set.
- Understands the concept of number and its constancy regardless of the arrangement of objects.
- Answers questions such as “how many?”, “is there more?”, “is there less?”.
- Performs simple mathematical operations (addition and subtraction) on concrete sets.
- Understands concepts such as add, take away, how many are left.
- Makes initial attempts to record operations in symbolic form.
- Measures length using non-standard units (e.g. blocks).
- Compares lengths: longer–shorter, taller–shorter.
- Develops the ability to apply measurement in practice.
- Recognizes and names basic shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle.
- Builds shapes using various materials.
- Understands relationships between shapes (e.g. the difference between a square and a rectangle).
- Compares objects in terms of size, weight, and length.
- Uses terms such as bigger, smaller, the same, heavier, lighter.
- Orders objects according to size.
- Notices and recreates symmetrical arrangements.
- Understands the concept of “the same on the other side”.
- Develops spatial imagination.
- Creates sequences and patterns using shapes, colors, sounds, and movement.
- Continues a given pattern.
- Develops analytical skills and perceptiveness.
- Identifies the position of objects in space: above, below, behind, next to, between.
- Reads and applies simple spatial instructions.
Develops orientation within one’s own body schema and the surrounding space.
Why is it worth teaching children how to classify?
The ability to classify, that is, to organize objects according to specific features, is one of the basic cognitive competences developed during the preschool years. It forms the foundation of logical thinking and prepares children for learning mathematics, language, and understanding the world around them.
While classifying, children learn to:
- notice differences and similarities,
- create sets and compare them with one another,
- understand relationships such as bigger–smaller, longer–shorter, the same–different,
- observe carefully and make decisions based on identified features.
Regular practice in classification develops:
- observation skills,
- attention and concentration,
- the ability to justify and describe,
- cause-and-effect thinking.
Activities using Korbo blocks are an excellent tool for developing these skills. The blocks are attractive, easily accessible, and varied, allowing children to learn through action, manipulation, and discovery.
The activity ideas presented in this set are easy to implement and do not require complex preparation, while effectively supporting children’s cognitive development. They can be freely modified, adjusting the level of difficulty to the abilities of a particular group.
We encourage introducing classification in a natural way, through play, conversation, and shared discovery. This is the first step toward building children’s logical thinking skills and their understanding of the world around them.
For Parents: Why Is Classification Important?
Dear Parents,
classification activities are much more than just sorting blocks by color or shape. They are an important step in your child’s cognitive development. Children who can notice similarities and differences between objects cope better with understanding mathematical concepts, organizing information, as well as building statements and justifying their opinions.
What does classification develop?
- logical thinking
- observation skills
- the ability to describe and compare
- concentration and patience
- understanding rules and principles
How can you support your child at home?
- While playing with blocks, ask questions such as “Which blocks are the same?” or “What is different here?”
- Sort laundry together by color or size.
- Arrange cutlery in the drawer according to type.
- Group toys together, for example “all vehicles” or “all animals”.
Remember – learning does not have to take place at the table.
Children learn best through action and play, especially when they can do it together with you.