Sorting pattern blocks

                    

Sorting is a great activity for toddlers. It teaches them skills that are a precursor for mathematical skills later on. Pattern blocks are a wonderful resource and can be used in a variety of ways. They teach children about shapes, colours and patterns. They can be used to create pictures or can be drawn around or simply used for sorting.


                         

I set up a tray, Montessori style, with a pot of pattern blocks and a sectioned bowl for the blocks to be sorted into. I placed a different block on each section of the bowl as an example for R to follow. Of course, you can set it up without putting any blocks in the bowl and see what the children do.

               

R immediately started to put like blocks together in the individual sections. Then he began to place blocks together on the floor creating his own shapes. "Look Mummy!" he kept saying, thoroughly pleased with his achievements.