Build An Efficient Vocabulary

Sorting Activities Helps Your Child Build An Efficient Vocabulary

Sorting helps us organise vocabulary into groups in our mind. The more organised our “library of words” is the quicker and more efficient we can talk and explain ourselves. You can sort many different items such as, food (fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains), transport (air, road, sea), household items (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or toys, tools, utensils) or items based on texture (rough, smooth).

Here we used a pack of sea animals and an assortment of farm animals. We put both types into a bag. You could use a basket, box or tub also as child love picking out an item on their own. You can even have it up high so they can’t see it and it will be a surprise! We used a blue bucket for the “ocean” and a fence for the “farm”. For babies and toddlers who want to stand you can include tables (like above) but if baby wants to sit you can have it all on the floor.

Depending on the age of your child you either say the name of the animal once they have pulled it out or if they know how to say animal names well they can say them. You are likely to need to give the simple instruction of where to put the animals either “in the ocean” or “on the farm” (point as well if needed). To ensure it is a fun activity you need to give as much help as needed (pointing and repetition). Children and adults alike tend to have shorter attention spans when something is too difficult.

Follow your child’s lead wherever possible. If your little one revisits their favourite farm animals you can involve some singing such as Old MacDonald Had A Farm or Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Happy playing!

Claire, Time To Talk & Connect