Free Printable - Living and Non-Living Things in Nature Sort

Understanding the difference between living and non-living things is one of the first science lessons children learn. For preschool and kindergarten students, this concept introduces them to the world around them. Using tools like Living and Non-Living Things in Nature sorting cards can make this lesson engaging and fun. These sorting cards can be downloaded as a free printable, making them helfpul for both classroom settings and homeschool environments.

Understanding Living and Non-Living Things

Living things are all around us in nature. These include animals, plants, and even tiny organisms like bacteria. All living things share common characteristics: they grow, reproduce, need food and water, and respond to their environment. In contrast, non-living things do not exhibit these qualities. Examples of non-living things include rocks, water, and manufactured items like toys.

This lesson fits perfectly within the Montessori framework. In Montessori education, we focus on teaching children about their environment through exploration and hands-on activities. Recognizing living and non-living things is a core aspect of understanding nature.

The Importance of Sorting Cards

Sorting activities are excellent for preschool and kindergarten students. They help develop critical thinking and observational skills. When children sort cards, they are actively engaged in categorizing information. This process supports their cognitive development and helps them learn to make distinctions based on characteristics.

By using living and non-living things in nature sorting cards, you provide students with a tangible way to interact with this concept.

Introducing the Sorting Cards

I have created a set of sorting cards that you can download for free. These cards include pictures of various living and non-living things found in nature. When using the cards, I suggest printing them on sturdy paper to ensure they last. After printing, cut the cards out.

Using the Sorting Cards

Preparation: Before the lesson, prepare the cards. On the back of each card, place a green dot sticker on living things and a yellow dot sticker on non-living things. This small detail will allow children to self-check their sorting, promoting independence and encouraging them to correct their mistakes.

Presentation: Gather the children together and explain the objective of the activity. Introduce the terms “living” and “non-living.” You can use real-life examples around you—perhaps a plant or a stone? Discuss how living things grow and change, whereas non-living things do not.

Sorting Activity: Lay all the cards out on a table in front of the children. Ask them to sort the cards into two groups: one for living things and one for non-living things. Encourage them to examine the pictures closely and use their knowledge to make decisions.

Self-Checking: Once they have completed the sorting, invite them to turn the cards over and check their answers using the dot stickers. If they see a green dot, they know they have correctly identified a living thing. A yellow dot indicates a non-living thing. This step is crucial, as it allows them to independently assess their work and learn from any mistakes.

You can expand the lesson by discussing the importance of living things in our ecosystems. Explain how plants and animals interact with each other and their surroundings. Incorporating stories from your experiences or nature documentaries can make the conversation more engaging.

The living and non-living things sorting cards fit seamlessly into a broader curriculum. In the Montessori classroom, we emphasize interconnection. Understanding living and non-living things sets the stage for lessons on ecosystems, biology, and environmental science.

This topic also lends itself to art projects, like creating nature collages, where children can incorporate leaves, twigs, and drawings of living and non-living elements. Exploring these connections helps children make sense of the world and understand their role in it.

Bringing it Home: Tips for Homeschooling

If you are homeschooling, this lesson is a wonderful way to combine play with learning. Here are a few ways to enhance your experience at home:

Nature Walks: Take your children on a nature walk and collect items for your sorting activity. Encourage them to find both living and non-living things and discuss their findings.
Gardening: Start a small garden project. Watching plants grow and understanding their needs allows children to see living things in action.
Outdoor Learning: Consider using outdoor spaces for lessons. Nature is the best classroom for children to observe living and non-living things firsthand.
Art Projects: Engage in art activities where they can draw their favorite living things or make crafts using non-living materials found in nature.
Storytime: Incorporate books about nature and living versus non-living themes to deepen their understanding. Stories often spark curiosity and encourage further exploration.

Using sorting cards is a practical approach that fosters critical thinking and empowers children to explore their environment. Remember to provide them with a way to self-check their work with the dot stickers on the cards.