How to Make Learning Fun: Sorting Mat by Shape for Early Childhood Development
How to Make Learning Fun: Sorting Mat by Shape for Early Childhood Development
by Dewi Griffith Ph.D
Let me paint you a picture for a second: lots of shapes, lots of hands, lots of fun and learning.
If you are an educator like me, you have probably seen countless lesson ideas or activity templates come and go.
But there’s just something endearing about that staple of preschool teaching, the humble shape-sorting mat.
It’s simple, it’s fun, but — best of all — it’s rich in benefits for kids in ways that you might not have considered.
Put down your book, pour yourself a coffee (or juice box if you’re hanging out with the little ones), and let’s find out why shape-sorting is so much more than just child’s play.
Why Is Sorting by Shape So Important?
You might think: ‘It’s sorting shapes – what could be that big a deal?’
The answer, it turns out, is a heck of a lot.
When children sort shapes, what’s going on beneath the surface is that they’re learning to see patterns and differences, and are even learning a little abstract algebra along the way.
They’re learning with very low stakes – almost without realising.
It’s like getting them to eat spinach by blending it into a thick smoothie.
The Magic Behind Sorting Shapes
Cognitive Development: As children start sorting shapes, their brains are humming. How do shapes go together and fit into others?
It's a simple but very important skill children will use in maths, science, and other subjects in the years to come.
Language Skills: They’re learning as they play – all those new words you’re talking about: ‘Look, tri-a-n-g-l-e!’ or ‘Oh, that goes through the circle!
Fine Motor Skills: Those little digits are getting exercised, too. Picking up and dropping objects helps little ones strengthen their hand-eye coordination, a skill that promotes better dexterity for everything from writing.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Sorting isn’t always cut and dry, and that’s where the problem-solving becomes valuable.
If a shape doesn’t seem to fit where she thinks it’s supposed to go, she needs to figure out why. It takes patience and offers a great opportunity to develop it.
Math Readiness: And yet, they’re doing something as fundamental as shape-sorting, which is the precursor to the more advanced geometrical concepts they’ll encounter in the future.
These kids are learning the ABCs – literally – of geometry before they know what geometry is!
How to Set Up the Sorting Mat Adventure
What You’ll Need:
A large, colourful mat with silhouettes of various-shaped objects (you can make one out of paper or download one online).
A set of fun, coloured shapes: circles, squares, triangles, and maybe three stars, if you’re feeling fancy.
Introduction:
Begin with a little show-and-tell. Hold up each shape and talk about it. “This is a square—it has four sides, see?” The more excited you are, the more excited they’ll be.
Demonstration:
Show them how it’s done. Place a shape on its matching outline and explain why it belongs there. This is where you can really ham it up with some enthusiasm.
Engagement:
Now it’s their turn! Let them take the lead, and give them lots of encouragement. Even if they get it wrong, keep it positive. “That’s a good try! Let’s see if it fits somewhere else.”
Level Up:
Once they’ve got the hang of it, add more shapes or mix it up by sorting by colour and shape. The possibilities are endless!
Keeping the Fun Alive: Tips and Tricks
Keeping the Fun Alive: Tips and Tricks
Make It a Game:
Make a game of it, where a certain number of correctly formed shapes earns them a point or sticker. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!
Interactive Storytelling:
Now maybe make up a story and assign each shape a character role and a place to land on the mat. It’s amazing how a bit of storytelling can make things more engaging.
Praise and Celebrate:
Never forget the value of praise. A high-five, a yell, or even ‘Well done!’ can be worth their weight in gold.
Mix It Up:
If they start to get bored, change the shapes or add some challenges, like sorting in the time box or singing a song.
Group Play:
Let the kids work together if you have a group of them. They will learn a lot from each other and have fun at the same time.
You don’t have to take my word for it. Research supports the assertions that shape sorting is critical to future learning.
Experts agree that kids learn early verbal percentage estimation through the playground memory game, which lays the foundation for future mathematical thinking.
Experts Agree: Sorting Shapes Is a Win-Win
For instance, Clements and Sarama (2020) discuss how early math activities like shape sorting help build cognitive skills that are essential for later academic success.
And Geist (2015) emphasizes how early engagement with shapes and patterns prepares children for more advanced math concepts.
Playing with those shapes on a mat isn’t just some fun activity to while away the time; your child is picking up tools and methods to be better at learning – and, eventually, at living – for the rest of their lives.
As a teacher or parent, your own enthusiasm and engagement can shape the world for a child. Shapes. Sorted!
Conclusion:
References and Further Reading
References
Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2020). Learning and Teaching Early Math: The Learning Trajectories Approach (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Geist, E. (2015). Math Anxiety and Young Children: How to Recognize It and What to Do About It. Early Childhood Education Journal, 43(1), 29-36.
Marotz, L. R. (2011). Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Wasik, B. A., & Hindman, A. H. (2013). Talk Around Text: Reading and Language Outcomes of Interactive Book Reading. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 34(1), 67-76.
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