Sorting Pictures into Two Groups

Safety

Check laminated cards for peeling edges and sharp corners; loose laminate film is a choking hazard.

1
Bring the box to the table. Place the two header cards side by side at the top of the mat and name the groups: "These are animals. These are vehicles."
2
Name each card as you place the mixed cards in a pile.
3
Take the top card, name it, and say its group: "Horse. A horse is an animal." Place it under the animal header card.
4
Take the next card and do the same for the other group.
5
Hand the child the next card and name it.
6
Wait while the child decides. This is the point of interest: the child chooses the group and places the card.
7
When all cards are sorted, name the cards in each group. Put them back in the box.

Groups that are closer together: animals that live on a farm and animals that live in water
Sorting real objects or replicas into the same two groups
Three groups
The child turns the cards over and checks the color dots

The adult at first. The matching color dot on the back of each card and its header card lets the child turn the cards over and check.

Avoid groups with unclear borders for toddlers, such as fruits and vegetables (a tomato is both, depending on who is asked).

6–10 realistic picture cards from two groups the child knows well (for example: things we wear and things we eat; animals and vehicles), in a box
Two header cards, each showing one example of its group
A matching color dot on the back of each card and its header card
A small mat or table