Encourages Sorting Skills
Toddlers typically begin sorting and organizing objects between 18 to 24 months. This activity helps strengthen that skill.
Teaches Color Recognition
Practicing this activity allows toddlers to associate colors with their names.
Develops Fine Motor Skills
The fabric pockets are slightly pressed against the cardboard, requiring extra effort to open and insert the popsicle sticks, which improves hand strength and coordination.
At first, my toddler found it tricky to insert the popsicle sticks and would get frustrated. However, with a little practice, she gradually mastered it!
When Should You Introduce This Activity
You can introduce this activity when your toddler starts showing an interest in sorting—for example, matching shapes or placing animal figures on printed animal pictures.
I always try to observe my toddler’s play to understand her interests, milestones, and developmental progress.
Around 18 months, I noticed she was beginning to enjoy sorting shapes. That felt like the perfect time to gently introduce the concept of colors.
At first, I was unsure how to help her grasp what colors meant. So I started with some simple DIY color-sorting activities. To my surprise, within just a few days, she began sorting colors correctly and even started naming them.
These hands-on activities made a big difference!
P.S. Every toddler is different. Some may show an interest in sorting earlier than 18 months, while others may take longer, closer to 24 months or beyond. That’s completely okay!
The best approach is to observe your child first. Look for signs like interest in grouping things, frustration levels while dealing with a challenging task, or whether the activity feels too hard.
This helps you decide the right time to introduce something new without overwhelming them.
Supplies Needed
- Cardboard piece
- Colored paper (or fabric for durability)
- Colored fabric pieces (I used grocery bag fabric)
- Glue, scissors, and a ruler
- Colored popsicle sticks
How to Make the Sorting Pockets (Step-by-Step)
Creating the color board
I started with a sturdy piece of cardboard, about 42 cm long. Then, I divided it into seven equal sections (each 6 cm wide)
Then I took a pair of scissors and cut equal-sized (6 cm) colored papers.
After that, I covered the cardboard base with colored paper using strong adhesive glue. This created a bright and inviting color array that immediately caught my toddler’s attention.
Note: Looking back, I think using fabric instead of paper would’ve made the base stronger and more durable!
Making the matching pockets
Next, I cut small fabric pieces that matched each of the colored sections. I used fabric from grocery bags because they’re flexible yet sturdy.
Then I glued each fabric piece onto the board, lining them up with their matching color section to create little sorting pockets.
Helpful Tips
I realized later that using fabric for both the pockets and base would have been a better choice. Paper can tear easily if your toddler pulls at the pockets repeatedly.
If you want to make this activity last longer, use strong adhesive and durable materials.
Store the popsicle sticks in a small basket next to the board for easy access.
Make This Activity More Fun!
Sing a Rainbow Song while sorting the colors.
Turn it into a game – Time how fast your toddler can match all the colors!
celebrate every correct match with claps, high-fives, or a cheerful “Yaaay!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Durability depends on the materials used. Using fabric for both the pockets and the base, and sticking them on with strong glue, makes it way more durable than using paper—perfect for little toddler hands!
If built with fabric and strong adhesive, it can last several months. Our board lasted three months before needing minor repairs.
Yes! Wrapping the board in cloth or suitable wrapping paper and storing it in a dry place prevents damage.
It’s advisable—and more beneficial—if you supervise this activity.
Your presence not only makes it more interactive and fun but also helps keep learning smooth and frustration-free. Since this activity involves a bit of a fine motor challenge, your toddler might need some gentle support at first, especially when inserting the popsicle sticks into the snug fabric pockets.
It’s also a great time to say the color names out loud as your toddler plays. Hearing and repeating the colors while sorting helps reinforce their learning.
And yes, supervising also lowers the risk of your little one mouthing the colored wooden sticks (because let’s be honest, toddlers love putting everything in their mouths!).
Try this activity and let me know how it goes! Have fun sorting!
