The Ultimate Sorting Activity

This guided activity will encourage your little learner to develop essential cognitive development skills, by sorting two or more different objects. Plus the sneaky hide-n-seek game will help stretch those 5 more minutes before nap time. Oh, and did I mention it’s easy for parents to set up? Let’s go!

Why sorting?

Being able to sort shapes and colors falls on the important milestones for a 2 year old according to the CDC. Sorting helps them to understand similarities and differences in objects. Classifying objects helps develop a core understanding for more advanced math and science skills.

What is developmentally appropriate?

You can make this as complex or simple as you would like. Listen and follow your child's cues to see what they are ready for. Start with sorting two different colors, for example yellow/green or black/white. When they are ready add more colors then introduce sorting shapes.

Materials?

2-5 colored construction paper (start with primary colors)

6-12 toys to match colors

Process? I do, we do, you do

Always introduce the activity before starting, even if you are pretty sure they don’t understand! Start by hiding the toys in a very visible place. You are going to use the “I do, we do, you do” method. This is a scaffolding method I learned as a teacher that I implement into everyday activities with my toddler. Modeling thinking out loud and problem solving helps the child feel more confident in the task. The adult is going to explain that it is their turn first, and encourage the child to patiently watch. Demonstrate picking up a toy and sorting it on the correct color (I do). Next, with your help repeat what you just did with your child Be vocal and use cues to help them recall the process (We do). Now explain it’s their turn, and let your child independently find, pick up, and sort a toy (You do). Repeat until you need a break! Add different colors and shapes when they are ready!

Example Script:

Parent: Let’s play a game! I am going to hide toys around the room. Some are green and some are yellow (hold up the corresponding colors.) We are going to go find the toys, pick them up, and then put them on the paper that matches the toys color!

My turn 1st, watch me! (repeat a couple times)

Child: Child observes parent. *Probably doesn’t sit still and definitely isn’t patient...but we take what we can get!*

Parent: Let’s work together now! Which one should we pick up? (Allow the child to choose and pick up a toy). I love the color you chose. Now let’s go put it on the matching paper! It’s a match! Now it’s your turn!

Child: Child, as independently as they would like, continues to sort toys!