Next, we advance to sorting items by color. They sort like items in different colors like counting bears or pom-poms. They then move on to sorting a variety of objects by color like various toys or writing utensils.
After they've mastered that skill, I like them to work on sorting by different attributes. One of the attributes, I find very important is sorting by shape.
Rather than having students sort items into piles, I much prefer this hands-on approach to shape sorting. I purchased little paper mache boxes of different shapes at Hobby Lobby. I have a circle, oval, square, rectangle, and heart.
These boxes are great because they also add fine motor, self-help and problem solving skills as the students have to work to take off and put on the lids.
I then cut out foam shapes all of the same color to be sorted. We start with only sorting two different shapes then move toward sorting a variety of shapes.
After mastering that skill, I often move on to a color shape sorter I purchased from Lakeshore a few years back.
Another skill, I add into this task during direct instruction is the concept of taking one. I put all the shapes in a fabric bag and request that they pull one out from the "Take 1" bag. This is an important social skill because some students will take a handful when presented with a bag or bowl full of items. I often remind my students it is good manners to just take one.
It is so hard to find shape manipulatives that are not color coded. Do you know of any toy manufactures or teaching supply companies that sell shape manipulatives that are all the same color or have no color?
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