Many children enjoy sorting or arranging objects. This calming learning experience promotes mindfulness and is developmentally appropriate during the early years. When children sort objects they are learning how the world works.
Sorting teaches children about these maths concepts:
- attributes like colour, shape and size
- patterns
- similarities and differences
- contrasting and comparing
- ordering.
EYLF learning outcomes
Sorting links to the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0. Children can sort natural or processed materials (4.4) to explore pattern systems (5.4).
Sorting requires children to use a growth mindset and learning dispositions (4.1) along with a range of learning and thinking skills and processes (4.2). Sorting allows children to transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another (4.3).
Learning experiences
Play with loose parts
Commercial sorting toys are available but they are definitely not necessary. Children may find more joy in sorting loose parts. Early childhood educators should remain open-minded when planning sorting games.
- Leaves by their colours or shapes.
- Feathers by which bird they belong to.
- Pebbles by their temperature (place some in the freezer or microwave first).
- Fabric pieces according to their texture.
- Pictures of food into nutritional food groups.
- Picture books into hard cover and soft cover, or according to their theme.
Sort your friends!
This is a fun and easy game for toddlers and preschoolers. An educator or child is chosen as the leader. They call out sorting rules and the children follow them:
- "Run to the fence if you like mangoes!"
- "Sit down if you're wearing a blue top."
- "Jump if you're five years old."
- "Pretend to sleep if you have a pet at home."
Learning environment
Involve children in sorting tasks that improve their learning environment:
- Categorise clean laundry into piles.
- Separate pencils into two piles. Which ones need sharpening?
- Place rubbish into appropriate bins e.g. general waste, organics and recycling.
- Add new craft materials to sections of a caddy or trolley.
- Pack toys away to their correct location.
- Sort out your store room.
- Set the table for lunch.