How many groups can a sorting activity have?

You choose the groups in the editor. Two to four groups with a few items each work well for a short class activity.

Do students drag items?

Students tap or click an item and then the group it belongs to, which also works on touch screens.

Free classroom game template

Group sort template for classification practice

Group sort asks students to put each item into the category where it belongs. It is a simple way to check whether students understand the idea behind a category, not just a single answer. You define the groups and the items in each one.

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The editor opens with the example below already filled in. A free teacher account is needed to save the activity and publish a student link.

Editable starter example

Sort food, drinks, and containers

Example groups and items from the food-words starter
Group	Items students sort into it
Food	apple, bread, rice, egg
Drink	milk, water
Container	bowl, cup

This is the teacher's answer list from the food-words starter. Replace it with content from your own lesson in the editor.

Ways teachers use the group sort template

Science categories

Sort materials into solid, liquid, and gas, or animals into mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Grammar families

Sort words into nouns, verbs, and adjectives, or verbs by tense.

Small-group discussion

Project the activity and let groups argue for each placement before anyone submits.

What students do

Students open the assignment link and type their name if you collect names.
They tap an item, then tap the group it belongs to.
They submit when they finish, and you can review which items landed in the wrong group.

Tips for a good set

Two to four groups keep the board clear.
Include one or two items that need a moment of thought, then discuss them afterwards.
Ask students to explain one placement aloud after they submit.

Frequently asked questions

How many groups can a sorting activity have?: You choose the groups in the editor. Two to four groups with a few items each work well for a short class activity.
Do students drag items?: Students tap or click an item and then the group it belongs to, which also works on touch screens.

One activity can play in several formats after you save it, so you can reuse the same content for a different kind of practice.

Create a group sort activity