Sorting by color is a much easier task because it’s simply an obvious attribute. We’ve had some fun sorting objects by color but the time has come for us to move onto sorting by other attributes, such as size. I’ve said it before, but sorting is algebraic. It’s an important mathematical skill that is the foundation for understanding future math concepts.
In this activity, Grady is sorting by a single attribute and identifying quite simply: big vs. small. I have this giant tub of foam shapes that I pull from quite often. All of the shapes come in a variety of colors and sizes but I chose just two specific sizes for this activity. Too many would have been confusing for this two year old ( in addition, small, medium and large and ordering shapes by size is a higher order skill).
I pulled my trusty pink rice from last year’s Valentines bin, mixed in the foam hearts, added tongs for fine motor and off you go!
To make pink rice:
One teaspoon of vinegar per one cup of rice. Just a smidge of red food coloring will make it pink. Shake in a plastic bag and lay out on a paper towel to dry.
I sat with him for a few minutes to get him started, explaining the BIG hearts go here and the TINY hearts go here. Once he got the general idea, I was able to walk away and let him work on his own.
Super easy activity that addresses:
- fine motor
- color
- size
- shape
Have fun!
~Ashley