Sorting Objects by Kind

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)).
Check shells and pinecones for sharp or broken edges and loose pieces before each use; use metal or wooden cutlery with rounded ends, no knives.

1
Carry the tray to the table and set out the two bowls.
2
Take one spoon and one block from the basket; name each one and place one in each bowl.
3
Pick up another object, look at it and at the bowls, and place it with the same kind. Say, "Spoon."
4
Continue with two or three more objects. Point of interest: each object going into the bowl with its kind.
5
Tip the rest back into the basket and invite the child to sort them.
6
When the child is finished, look into each bowl together and name the kind.

Three kinds into three bowls
Sort objects of one kind that differ in color or size (big and small spoons) together with another kind
Sort clean spoons and forks into a cutlery tray

The first object in each bowl shows which kind belongs there; an object in the wrong bowl looks different from the others in it.