Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Toy basket sorting game
Sort a few toys into their usual places together.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
Two low open baskets and a few age-appropriate toys
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult places the baskets on a clear floor and chooses a small group of toys with the child.
Adult's role: Help the child decide which toys belong in each basket. Ask before moving a favorite toy and avoid deciding to discard or donate it during play.
Let's make it happen
- Choose a way to sort, such as soft toys in one basket and large blocks in the other.
- Take turns placing a toy in its basket. Name the toys or count them if you wish.
- Look around for any remaining toys from the chosen group and return the baskets to their places.
Make it simpler: Choose one toy and put it in one basket together.
Clean up: Return both baskets to their usual accessible places.
Keep the floor clear, use lightweight baskets without lids and stay nearby. Keep small pieces away from younger children.