🐷 It’s a Pigs Life! Odd and Even Sorting 

Meet Odd Olivia and Even Ethan. Two piggy banks ready for the sorting of odd or even coins! This hands-on exercise is the perfect addition to your odd and even resources in your classroom. Students will sort cards with different numbers of coins into two adorable piggy banks – Odd Oliva or Even Ethan. Your students will not only practice their counting skills, but also reinforce their understanding of odd and even numbers. 

Odd and Even Lesson Plan

If you’re looking for a whole lesson that includes using this sorting activity. Here’s an idea:

1. Revisit the concept of odd and even numbers. Explain that odd numbers cannot be divided into equal parts and always leave a remainder of 1 when divided by 2. On the other hand, even numbers can be divided into equal pairs, with no remainder when divided by 2.
2. Use some play coins and show them different groups of coins and how odd numbers can’t be divided equally, but even numbers can. Put students into small groups and yell out various numbers; as a group, they need to divide that number of coins in half and decide if it’s an odd or even number. When the group has worked it out, they must put their hands on their heads together to show they have worked it out.
3. Now, provide each group with the piggy bank sorting mats and the coin cards, and demonstrate how each student will have a go at picking up a card and working out which piggy bank their card needs to be placed.

For more advanced students, you can introduce a challenge by providing a few additional coin cards and asking them to calculate the total value of coins in each piggy bank and determine whether the sum is an odd or even number.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator.