Sort it Out! (Arbordale Collection)
What’s inside...
Packy the Packrat's mother insists that he sorts through his growing collection of trinkets. The rhyming text encourages readers to help categorize Packy's items by their characteristics, promoting critical thinking in math, science, and life. The story includes interactive elements and a subplot featuring Packy’s sister. The 'For Creative Minds' section offers further educational activities related to object attributes. Recognized as a Children's Choice Award finalist, this book combines entertainment with educational value.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Packy The Packrat
Discussion points
What do you think Packy the Packrat could sort next, and how would he do it?
Why is it important to sort things, and how does it help us in daily life?
Can you think of a time when you sorted something? What did you sort and why?
How do you feel when your things are sorted and organized?
If you could help Packy sort one of his collections, which one would it be and how would you organize it?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the themes of categorization and problem-solving. These are valuable life skills that help in understanding organization and decision-making.
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences, like sorting toys or clothes, to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to suggest alternative ways to sort items in the book, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Use a warm and enthusiastic tone to keep your child engaged and make them feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts.
Reinforce the learning from the book by organizing a small sorting activity at home, such as sorting socks or toys, to bring the book's lessons to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Categorization Skills
Explanation: In 'Sort it Out!', children follow the story of Packy the Packrat as he sorts his collection of trinkets into various categories. This helps children understand the concept of grouping items based on similarities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this skill in their daily activities such as organizing their toys, sorting their books, or even grouping foods in their meals according to type.
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the book, Packy makes decisions on how to categorize each item. This introduces children to the process of decision making and evaluating options.
Real-World Application: This can help children make choices more confidently, whether it’s choosing what to wear, picking a snack, or selecting what game to play during playtime.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Cleanup
Explanation: Packy learns to take responsibility for his belongings by organizing them, which is a subtle nod towards clean-up and care for one's space.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tidy up their rooms and maintain a clean living space, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for their environment.