Gather up the red, yellow, and blue toys. This Primary color toy sort is a hit!
Welcome to the simplest set up that packs a powerful learning punch. Not only does primary color toy sort introduce classification to your toddler, but it also introduces the language that red, yellow, and blue are primary colors.
What makes this learning through play prompt even more spectacular is it uses your toddler’s most prized positions; toys.
RELATED: Easy ideas need to be quick to set up and fun to play. Our activity cards have this winning combination!
Color sorting is my go-to toddler activity.
You can see that learning through play with colors almost always call our name. So much so that I put together these 35+ brilliant color activities to have everything in one place.
Teaching sorting, classifying, and fine motor strength through colors is my bread and butter. Simple ideas like this here make an especially great Breakfast Invitation – a simple learning game to help begin the play.
Older children can take this idea and graph it! See the primary color toy graph here.
Kids can begin sorting at any age they show readiness!
I like to begin with only a few colors like we are doing here with this primary color toy sort.
Once I can see mastery and excitement, I introduce Drive and Park Color Sort and Bear Caves Color Sort activities. These activities allow my toddler to explore different variations of color and expose him to an important math skill; sorting.
After that, I move into two-step sorting activities like this treasure map. – Add this one to your list asap!
Did you know that sorting is important for toddlers?
It’s true! Sorting is one of the most important fundamental math skills that we can introduce at a young age. Introducing sorting to your toddler sets the foundation for later math concepts.
Sorting is important for children to:
- Recognizing how objects are alike and different
- Problem-solving
- Paying attention to details
- Understanding systems and patterns
- Learning by making decisions to improve classification
RELATED: Let’s keep toddler activities simple. 40+ Activities for Two-Year-Olds are what you need!
Set up and supplies
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- White paper roll – We use this one listed here.
- Washable Markers – I like to keep a set for myself so they don’t dry out (wink, wink).
- Toys and items found around your home
To setup, I went around and collected toys that were primary colors.
Next, I taped the white paper onto my kitchen table and drew a red, yellow, and blue square. I colored each square just enough for my toddler to be invited into the sorting activity without confusion. It didn’t have to be perfect, but it has to look clean and organized to welcome him to the play.
I put the primary toys to the left of the paper and knew that my toddler would dive in the following morning. Spoiler alert – he did just that!
My toddler color sorted and looked back feeling satisfied with his accomplishments!
When he was finished, I suggested we count the number of objects in each square.
He looked up and shook his head. Nope. Not happening.
Being three means you learn through play your way. Instead of counting, he wanted to take his sorted objects and begin to engage in imaginary play.
I happily encouraged him to do just that.
We want to expose our toddlers to new ideas and discoveries, and then sit back and watch. Observing where my three-year-old takes the play gives me insight into what he is learning and thinking. I am here for that and I drank my tea as he plays. Win, win!
Gather the red, yellow, and blue toys. It is time to get sorting!
