Matching objects to opposite properties

Tips on how to use this exercise at home and at school.

Matching objects to opposite properties

Early math concepts


In this exercise, the child learns to make comparisons between two objects, events or activities. If the child understands the comparison, it is easier to determine the quality of the objects, events or activities. This is the kind of precursor that is needed for later comparisons between three objects. The child also actively and passively practices the use of adjectives or adverbs.


Why is this exercise important?
Comparing, for example, objects, events and activities makes the child realise what is the same and what is not. It also makes them think about what the difference is, i.e. what it means that something is different. Thinking leads to qualitative perception, which will one day also lead to comparing numbers and numbers in general. In addition to cognitive skills, it actively engages the use of language both passively and actively.

Who is the exercise suitable for?
Generally belongs in preschool or early school play. In addition to the concepts of reasoning, it also develops language skills at the same time.

Methodological recommendations
Either read aloud the instructions, play them from the app or let the child read them by themselves.

The child is shown two pictures, which he/she is instructed to divide into two categories. (Example: a picture of a bee smiling and a second picture of a chicken crying, the child has to divide into two categories  sad and happy.) Through his vocabulary, the child becomes aware of words with opposite meanings. With this exercise, he also reinforces these concepts. Ideally, the child has the opportunity to explain his reasoning verbally.

Tips for similar activities outside the app
We encounter these situations all the time. For example, when we encourage a child: Run fast, slow. The bag is heavy, and light. The crayon is sharp and blunt. 

What does that mean? We can use different situations to expand the child's vocabulary. You can find ideas for words to use in this exercise.