The Toddler Sorting Tray is a classic Montessori material introduced between 18 and 30 months. It represents a significant cognitive leap from the “Box with Bins” because it removes the “hidden” element and requires the child to organize a variety of objects in an open, visual field.
While earlier materials (like the Imbucare boxes) focused on the physical act of “making an object disappear,” the sorting tray focuses on logical categorization and the visual organization of a set.
C$25.29
In stock
In stock
Purchase this item and get 2 Beads - a worth of Logical Classification: The Child must identify a common attribute (color, shape, size, or type) and group objects accordingly.
Order and Concentration: Sorting is an inherently calming activity for toddlers. It satisfies their “sensitive period for order” by allowing them to create harmony out of a scrambled pile of objects.
Visual Discrimination: It sharpens the eye to see subtle differences and similarities between objects.
Fine Motor Control: Moving small objects between compartments using a pincer grasp (or sometimes wooden tongs for older toddlers) strengthens the hand muscles.
The Tray: A Birchply tray divided into 4 compartments, and a control area
The Objects: Items should be clearly different in one attribute but similar in others (to “isolate the difficulty”). Common sorting items include:
By Color: Red, blue, and yellow wool balls.
By Nature: Large smooth stones vs. rough pinecones vs. seashells.
By Shape: Wooden spheres vs. wooden cubes.
Set the Stage: Place the tray on a rug or table.
The First Item: Pick up one item (e.g., a seashell). Place it in the first compartment.
The Contrast: Pick up a different item (e.g., a stone). Place it in the second compartment.
The Sorting: Pick up a second seashell. Look at it, look at the stone, then look at the first seashell. Place it with its match.
Turn-Taking: Once you have sorted two of each, invite the child to finish the rest of the objects.
As the Child grows, the difficulty of the sorting tray can be increased:
Two-Way Sort: Simple categories (e.g., “Big” and “Small”).
Three-Way Sort: Introducing a third category (e.g., “Red,” “Yellow,” and “Blue”).
Functional Sorting: Sorting household items (e.g., “Spoons” and “Forks” when helping set the table).
Tool Use: Adding tongs or a large spoon to move the items, which adds a layer of practical life skill and coordination.
Imbucare Box with Bins: Sorting into hidden compartments.
Sorting Tray: (This material) Sorting in an open, visible field.
Abstract Sorting: Sorting pictures of objects rather than the physical objects themselves.
Size: 26 x 20 x 2.5 cm / (10″ x 8″ x 1″)
Manufactured in Birch ply wood, this is the perfect receptacle for the toddler to separate the mix of coloured counters from the large indentation, into individual colours in each of the smaller indentations.
One of the attractions to the Montessori Method is the extensive use of wood.
We use several types of wood, sourced from renewable sources, in the production of our Montessori Materials.
We ensure that the coatings and inks used are not only eco-friendly, but also non-toxic.
Our wooden products are manufactured by responsible partner factories both locally and abroad and ensure that fair labour practices are adopted.
Care instructions for Childrens House Wooden Materials:
Order R1000 worth of items to qualify for free shipping to your door anywhere in South Africa.
Transit times depend on your location:
Feel free to email us should you require any further information.
We offer free delivery to the USA:
Should you require further information about shipping charges, please feel free to contact us at info@childrenshouse.co.za
Bizzee Bee Kidz Montessori t/a Bizzy Kidz Montessori (PTY) LTD) was founded in the year 2009. We grew over the past years from having six children up to sixty children to this present day. Over the years we have helped hundreds of parents with strategies to make parenting easier and more enjoyable using the Montessori techniques. We have seen Maria Montessori’s philosophies come to life when children work with the didactic material. Bizzy Kidz Montessori, therefore, pride themselves in bringing the best Montessori didactic material to our children. We believe strongly that children are our future and if we need to see change in the world, then we need to change the mindset of our children.
Principal: Razia Dawood – email: bizzykidz1@gmail.com
School: Bizzy Kidz Montessori
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/razia.dawood.35
Instagram: bizzykidz1@gmail.com
Location: Lenasia
The Montessori Academy in Sharon Springs offer a delightful guide as to how to encourage the toddler to improve their physical development during the preschool class.
Transferring by Catherine McTamaney
It’s a sort of curious activity to watch: a young child, mesmerized, repeatedly transferring some small object from one container to another and back again. Fill the containers with pom poms or small rubber pellets. Maybe the tongs are large and wooden or m…
| Weight | 0.22 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 26 × 20 × 2.5 cm |
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Very useful to develop transferring and carrying skills in my toddler class.
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Barbara Garries (verified owner) –
Very useful to develop transferring and carrying skills in my toddler class.