Sorting Activities for Kindergarten

Sort items by color or shape.

In the beginning, keep sorting activities simple for kindergartners. Sort items based on one characteristic, such as shape, number, color or texture. Anything from everyday items to shapes or toys designed specifically for sorting can be used.

Candy

Give each child a small bag of colorful candies, such as candy-coated chocolates or gummy treats. Have the children sort their candy by color. Create a simple chart for them to track the number of each color. As an alternative, use different shaped crackers and sort by shape.

Household Objects

Use household items, such as keys or buttons, for sorting games. Sort keys into two piles--one for gold keys and one for silver keys. Have the children determine the criterion being used to sort the object.

Muffin Pans

Muffin pans work great for sorting exercises. Set out a muffin pan and a large box of foam squares or circles in a variety of colors. Using the muffin pan cups as dividers, have the children sort the foam pieces by color. If the classroom is set up with activity centers, this exercise works well as a sorting station.

Sort the Class

A fun sorting activity that also gives children a chance to move around is to sort the students. Children can be sorted by sex, hair or eye color, favorite subject, shirt or shoe color, or hair length.

References

• Kindergarten Lessons: Kindergarten Sorting Games
• Mrs. Kilburn's Kiddos: Sorting
• Childcare Land: Teach