Toddlers are right in the middle of the sensitive period for order. This can manifest itself in a variety of different ways. You may see a toddler become upset when something familiar is out of place. Or, you may see a toddler lining up toys or household objects. A toddler exerting this need for order might sort objects by some type of feature. Or, they may finally return a material to a shelf!
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This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Sometimes this need for order can lead a toddler (or even preschooler) to want to sort objects by their color. They may be in the process of identifying the colors around them and trying to make some sense of it all. There are many materials that can be used to fulfill this need or desire.
1. Pantone Color Cards 2. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel 3. Haba Ring-A-Thing 4. Color Resemblance Board 5. Color Ring Sorting Board 6. Cylinder puzzle 7. Grimm's Color Sorting 8. Kid O Color Sorting 9. Go Fish 10. Magnetic Color Sorting 11. Pop Up Toy 12. Color Sorting Bowls
More Color Sorting Ideas
There are also a lot of amazing handmade offerings on Etsy that can fulfill this need and desire. I thought these looked beautiful: Egg and Cup Color Sorting; Color Sorting Tray; Cup and Ball Color Sorting; Peg and Cup Sorting.
Many easy DIY color sorting materials can also be made. And, we've used tons! You can see my color sorting ideas on our Tot School Colors -- Posts and Resources page!
When using color sorting work, I just let the toddler explore. This work is self correcting, in that a toddler can see when a mistake has been made. This self discovery is important for toddlers and a tenant of Montessori education. Additionally, if you see your child starting to enter this sensitive period, try color sorting with just a couple colors -- I start with the primary colors -- and a couple objects. Then, add more over time!
Is your toddler in the sensitive period for order? Does your toddler like to color sort?
If you liked this post, check out: Montessori Inspired Cup and Ball Color Sorters; Rainbow Color Sorters
When using color sorting work, I just let the toddler explore. This work is self correcting, in that a toddler can see when a mistake has been made. This self discovery is important for toddlers and a tenant of Montessori education. Additionally, if you see your child starting to enter this sensitive period, try color sorting with just a couple colors -- I start with the primary colors -- and a couple objects. Then, add more over time!
Is your toddler in the sensitive period for order? Does your toddler like to color sort?
If you liked this post, check out: Montessori Inspired Cup and Ball Color Sorters; Rainbow Color Sorters
