A Simple Sorting Game With Everyday Things

Toddlers are natural collectors and organizers. They may put all the cars in one place, carry rocks from one container to another, or suddenly decide that every blue object belongs together. What looks like moving things around can actually involve careful observation: Which ones are alike? Which are different? Where should this one go?

​

You can explore these ideas at home with objects you already have.

​

Try it at home​

Gather a small collection of safe, familiar objects. You might use large blocks, toy animals, socks, large lids, spoons, or natural materials collected together.

​

Place the objects where your child can see them and add two containers or baskets.

Instead of immediately telling your child how to sort them, begin with:

“How could we put these into groups?” Then give your child time to decide.

​

There is more than one answer

Or size. Or type. Or they may create a system that you didn't expect at all.

 

A toddler might put a red block and a red toy car together because they are the same color. Another child might put every vehicle together regardless of color.

 

Both choices involve thinking. If you're curious about their decision, try asking: “Why did you put this one here?” Their explanation may surprise you.

 

Change the question

After your child has explored one way of sorting, mix everything together again. 

Ask:

“Can we find another way?”

The same objects might now be grouped by big and small, soft and hard, or what they are used for.

You can also introduce comparison words naturally:

“Which one is bigger?”

“I notice these are both round.”

“This one feels different.”

 

Let your toddler do the work

It can be tempting to correct an object that seems to be in the “wrong” group. Before moving it, ask your child about it.​ Sometimes children are noticing a connection adults haven't considered.

​

The purpose isn't to create perfectly organized baskets. It is to give your child opportunities to compare, make decisions, change their mind, and explain an idea.

​

What your child may discover

Sorting supports early mathematical thinking while also building language and observation skills. And because there isn't always one correct way to organize the materials, children can begin discovering something important: The same things can be looked at in different ways.

​

Try this: 

Give your toddler six to ten familiar objects and two containers. Ask, “How should we put these together?” Then follow their idea.