SE T3.06Sorting Objects by Color
The child sorts a mixed set of objects of two colors into two bowls, one for each color.
Age 2–2½Work 6 of 13 in Size, Color, Shape, Texture, Sound, and Smell
Safety
- Every object must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.).
- Any ball must be at least 5 cm across; balls under 1.75 in. (4.4 cm) are banned for children under 3 by US federal rule (16 C.F.R. 1500.18(a)(17)).
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to the table with the two bowls and the mixed objects in a basket.
- 2
Place the red bowl on the left and the blue bowl on the right.
- 3
Pick up one object, look at it and at the bowls, and place it in the bowl of the same color. Say, "Red."
- 4
Continue with two or three more objects, slowly. Point of interest: each object going into the bowl of its color.
- 5
Tip the objects back into the basket and invite the child to sort them.
- 6
When the child is finished, look at each bowl together and name its color.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Three colors and three bowls
- Sort objects of different shapes by color only (a red block and a red spool go together)
- Sort red and blue blocks into two boxes when putting away
Control of error
Each bowl is the color of the objects that belong in it; an object in the wrong bowl looks different from the bowl and from the others.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Sorts two colors into two bowls without help
- Notices an object in the wrong bowl and moves it
- Sorts three colors