Playtime Activity: 30-36 Months

Help your child gather some of his favorite play items and other items from around the house. Examples might include: Duplo blocks, stuffed animals, pretend fruit, socks, etc. See if he can name them and sort them by color. If you have some boxes or bins handy, use these to help your child sort the items. You can also work on early math concepts by asking your child: "Which basket has more items?" If you decide to use socks, you can also turn this into a matching game. See if your child help you “find the same” and mate the socks.

Possible Intervention Strategies & Supports

• If your child is just learning this sorting skill, start with only two colors. Make sure the colors contrast with each other enough to be distinctive. For example, use red and yellow instead of red and orange.

• This is a great age to expand this activity and have your child play in a “sensory bin.” To create the bin, fill a large bucket with sand, dry rice, dry beans, etc. Your child can practice scooping and pouring or “writing” in the materials. Try hiding small objects in the bin and encourage your child to work on visual perception and discrimination by having her find the hidden objects.

• When sorting with your child put something in the pile or box that does not belong and see if he notices. Praise him if he does and use language to describe why it does not go into that pile/box (e.g., “Uh-oh! Daddy put the stuffed animal with the books. We can’t read a stuffed animal!”). Don’t’ hesitate to be silly--it will keep him engaged.

• If your child has difficulty spontaneously naming items, verbally label the items as they are being put into the box or bin. If needed, hold the object up to your face to help get your child’s attention.

Tips

As long as the items are not breakable (which they really should not be at this age), you can turn this sorting game into a game of toss. Once your child decides which box or bin each item should go in, see if he can accurately toss it in the right one.

Family Handout

Click here to download an editable one-page handout of this age range's playtime activity, interventions, and tips.