Color identification is one of the core abilities we anxiously wait to see emerge in toddlers and preschoolers. According to Sandra Anselmo learning colors can be reinforced through four steps: adult repeating color names; recognizing colors when asked to identify (the blue crayon); naming colors of objects; matching like colors. Today’s activity focuses on the fourth step: matching.
Materials: empty egg carton (for a dozen eggs), bowl, Fruit Loop type cerealSet-up: Place one color of loop in each egg spot across the top row; Pour cereal into bowl
Play: Invite child to sort the cereal by color. Place matching-colored loops in egg spot below original loop. Play until all loops are sorted (or eaten!) Once activity is completed, enjoy your snack.
When I asked our pediatrician about knowing colors, he said that he does not ask if a child knows colors (or counting) until the 4 year old check-up. Bottom-line: color games are fun and help reinforce developing knowledge and skills, but don’t expect perfection from your kids.
