Welcome to the simplest preschool math activity 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. Gather up the red, yellow, and blue toys. This toddler color toy sort is a hit!
What makes this preschool learning activity even more spectacular is it uses your toddler’s most prized possession; the best toys for kids they already own!
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.
My bread-and-butter activities teach sorting, classifying, and fine motor strength through colors. Simple ideas like this here make a 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.
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games to begin the day with play.
When to introduce sorting to toddlers
I like to begin with only a few colors, like we are doing here with this primary color toy sort.
Once I 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!
Why sorting is important for toddlers
Sorting is one of the most important fundamental math skills we can introduce at a young age. Introducing sorting to your toddler sets the foundation for later math concepts. The NAEYC shares more about sorting for preschoolers in this article.
Sorting is important for children to:
- Learn by making decisions to improve classification
- Pay attention to details
- Problem-solve
- Recognize how objects are alike and different
- Understand systems and patterns
RELATED: Let’s keep toddler activities simple. 40+ Activities for Two-Year-Olds are what you need!
Supplies
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Use these two supplies plus the toys you find in your home. As always, our entire list of supplies for kids is in one place for all our activities for kids.
White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
Washable Markers
Share these markers with your kids, or keep them for yourself. I am not one to judge; I like my own pack too.
How to set up
- Collect toys that were primary colors.
- Next, tape the white paper onto my kitchen table.
- Draw a red, yellow, and blue square.
- Put the primary toys to the left of the paper.
- Invite your child to sort their favorite toys by color the next morning!
PRO TIP: 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 had to look clean and organized to welcome him to the play.
How to extend this color sorting activity
My toddler color sorted and looked back, feeling satisfied with his accomplishments. To extend, 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. This rainbow color sorting activity is another easy extension that encourages sorting and imaginary play.
Takeaway when working with toddlers
We want to expose our toddlers to new ideas and ways to discover and then sit back and watch. Observing where my three-year-old takes the play gives me insight into his learning and thinking. I am here for that, and I drank my tea as he played. Win, win!
Gather the red, yellow, and blue toys. It is time to get our toddlers and preschooler sorting by color!
FAQ
Sorting is one of the most important fundamental math skills we can introduce at a young age. Introducing sorting to your toddler sets the foundation for later math concepts.
Pick the time of the day that feels like it is not working. In our home, this was mornings. I wanted to begin the day with play and found easy ideas like this set the tone for the day. Another great time for toddler activities is after a nap.
Inside this post of 40 math activities for kids, you will find play-based, hands-on math activities for preschoolers. Kids learn by practicing counting, graphing, measuring, learning shapes, and sorting through play. These are the best math activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
Toddler Color Toy Sort
Materials
- Markers
- Toys from Home
- White Paper Roll
Instructions
- Collect toys that were primary colors.
- Next, tape the white paper onto my kitchen table.
- Draw a red, yellow, and blue square.
- Put the primary toys to the left of the paper.
- Invite your child to sort their favorite toys by color the next morning!
