Did you know that sorting helps your child’s brain development? This is what Curious Neuron says: “Sorting objects by size, shape or colour, is a developmental milestone for cognition (learning, thinking, problem-solving). By age 2, children begin to understand the concept of sorting. By age 4, a child will be able to identify some colours and sort.”
If your child is kindergarten age or younger, sorting activities should be a regular in their weekly schedule. You can make your own sorting sheet with some markers and cardboard or download our FREE printable activity sheet to add to your activity bin.
The materials you will need are a color sorting print, laminator + sheets (optional if wanting to use it multiple times) and some colorful objects around the house. Here are some ideas:
- Candy – skittles and m&m’s
- Cereal – fruit loops, coco puffs, trix
- Playdough (have child make a bunch of balls or use small cookie cutters in different shapes)
- Craft items – Pom poms, perler beads, rhinestones, crayons, buttons, foam shape stickers
- Toys – legos, buttons, small toys, Plus Plus blocks, play food (these Learning Resources play food is by far our favorite brand…actually we love all their toys because the quality is AMAZING and each toy is designed with learning in mind)
- Food – dyed beans, dyed chickpeas, dyed noodles (use craft paint and a plastic bag to easily color the dried items)
- Cut up construction paper into little squares
- Paint on it with a q-tip by filling each square/slice with dots
- Take it on your walk and have them find the colors out in nature (flowers, rocks, sticks, leaves)
Place the items in a bowl and let them start sorting. Curious Neuron also says, “Sorting helps children develop EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS, important brain skills that help with memory, attention and problem-solving.” Check out their article here for more information on why sorting is such a great learning activity.
For more fun printable learning activities for little minds, check out our blog. We have all kinds of activities that will entertain, engage and educate.
From our hut to yours,
Stacey + Niki
