Sorting Mats Spinners: Color
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 4
Coordinating Activities
Sorting Mats Spinners: Color
- Paint splat color sorting mats with a color spinner (2 versions)
Kids spin a color and sort objects of that color onto the matching paint splat.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper fastener or paper clip and pencil for the spinner
- Small colored objects like pom poms or counters
Standards for Sorting by Color
These mats support early math standards connected to sorting objects by color.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.B.3: Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count. Kids sort objects by color.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- PK4.V.E.1: Child sorts objects that are the same and different into groups and uses language to describe how the groups are similar and different. Kids sort objects by color.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- Math K.PS.1.a: Sort and classify concrete objects into appropriate subsets (categories) based on one attribute. Kids sort objects by color.
- Math K.PS.1.b: Describe and label attributes of a set of objects that has been sorted. Kids tell how each group is the same.
Sorting Mats Spinners: Color gives toddlers and preschool kids a simple way to name colors and sort objects.
Kids spin the color spinner, name the color and find an object to place on the matching paint splat.
Use pom poms, counters, blocks or toys from around the room for sorting.
How to Use Sorting Mats Spinners: Color
- Print and laminate the mats and spinner.
- Set out a tub of colored objects.
- Kids spin and name the color.
- Kids sort an object onto the matching splat.
- Keep going until every splat has objects.
Small Group: Name each color together.
Fine Motor Center: Add tweezers to pick up the objects.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Sorting Mats
Every group has a mix of math and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use two colors at a time.
- Hold the spinner for the child.
- Use large objects.
- Name each color together.
For On-Level Practice:
- Sort a full tub.
- Name each color.
- Count each group.
- Play with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Use tweezers.
- Tell which color has the most.
- Sort by two rules.
- Find colors in the room.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Talk through each step together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use real objects next to the cards.
- Name each picture together.
Sorting Mats Spinners: Color Is Perfect For:
- Toddlers
- Preschool and pre-K
- Color units
- Fine motor centers
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
