Shape sorting is a fun daycare activity that supports cognitive development and teaches sorting and classification.
What is Cognitive Development?
Cognitive development is the construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving, and decision-making, as it develops from childhood adulthood. According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children go through several stages of cognitive development so it is critical that learning activities for toddlers and children correspond to the appropriate developmental.
The Sensorimotor Stage spans from birth through the age of 2. In this stage, children learn through sensation and movement. The Pre-Operational stage occurs from ages of 2-7. At this point they are learning to use symbols such as language to represent objects, and beginning to understand the concept of conservation. It is also the phase in which memory and imagination develops.
This lesson plan includes preparation instructions, procedures, and materials list for this activity. There are also age appropriate learning objectives and a sample of the simple supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning.
List of Sorting Materials
- Blanket or square mat
- Round balls in various sizes and square blocks in various sizes
- Two cardboard boxes or containers for sorting
Preparation
Lay a blanket or square mat on the floor of the play area. On a blanket or square mat, scatter the balls and blocks randomly. Place two cardboard boxes or containers nearby for sorting.
Procedure
Invite the children over to play area. Explain to them that they will be collecting balls and blocks. Explain that balls are round (the circle shape). Then, explain that blocks are square. Encourage the children to sort the balls and blocks into two containers; one for balls and one for blocks.
Sorting Objective 1To develop an understanding of classification by encouraging children to sort objects by shape
- Verbal Cue A: Which objects are circles and which objects are square?
- Verbal Cue B: Let’s put the balls in one container and blocks in another one.
Sorting Objective 2To teach about relationships using the terms small, big, and bigger
- Verbal cue A: Let’s collect all of the small balls and place them in this container.
- Verbal Cue B: Which square is bigger: This square, or this square?
Sorting Objective 3To introduce the number concept of 1-10
- Verbal Cue A: Let’s count the number of blocks.
- Verbal Cue B: How many balls are in the box?
Through play children are learning important cognitive skills such as sorting and classification. For more information on preschool lesson plans see Online Preschool Lesson Plans
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