Toddlers like to sort. This could be because they can
and enjoys grouping things. Or because they like organization
and order or she simply loves this self-imposed challenge.
Whatever the reason, they tend to sort along two main
criteria:
1. physical properties like shape, color, size
and texture
2. functional qualities which include the potential
actions and uses of objects
Sorting by physical properties tends to start even in
late infancy. Studies also show that young children
are most successful sorting objects when the two sets
differ in size, color and form than when the sets differ
in only one physical property. Sorting is so much of
fun so give your toddler opportunities for sorting games.
Mix a set of small toys in a box and let her sort them
again maybe into two different containers. Keep the
game simple in the start as complicated stuffs can hinder
sorting skills. A simple set might contain two groups
of identical objects e.g. blocks of one size and color
and coasters of all one size and color or plastic cups
of one color and plastic squares of another color. As
she grows in experience, try a set consisting of three
groups of identical objects - she will sort them by
size or shape or color.
On the flip side don't be dismayed if your toddler shows
no interest in sorting. First, this is a developmental
skill and some children come to it later than others.
Second, your child may be more interested in large motor
skills like running and climbing or other toy types.
Try offering sorting types of toys and don't feel discouraged
if she shows no interest right now. Eventually with
practice, your toddler will be able to move into helping
you sort things around the house like pairing up socks
and dividing cutlery into neat little compartments.
Color
To help your child grasp the notion of color, there
are ways to help. Mention the color of something that
you are using or wanting.
• Household items: 'I am looking for the green
packet'. 'Where is the red tin?'
• Your child's clothes: 'That is a pretty pink
dress'. Where are your blue shoes?
• Flowers, animals and birds: 'Can you see the
brown sparrow?' 'Look at the green parrot!'
• Show your child how colors are made: 'Look if
we mix red and blue we get purple; yellow mixed with
blue make green'.
• Teach your child the seven colors of the rainbow.
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