Montessori toddler environments will always have a sorting activity on hand. The items for sorting can be easily changed to maintain interest in the activity and can be a way to introduce new and varied objects into the environment. The idea is that toddlers can have an opportunity to explore classification. Here is an example of an autumn sorting tray with natural found objects.
Safety
The types of objects you choose will depend on the age and developmental stage of the child. When children are mouthing objects or when appropriate supervision cannot be provided, select larger objects that do not pose a choking hazard.
Every child is different. You know your child best. When it comes to safety use your judgment and modify the activity as needed.
Presentation
The adult starts by naming each of the items and mixing them all together in the large compartment of the tray. They then demonstrate how to sort some of the items and invite to join in by asking “which one would you like to do next?” Once everything is sorted the adult then points out each of the categories and says something along the lines of “all of the hazelnuts are together, all of the pinecones are together, and all of the snail shells are together.” Everything is mixed up again and the child is invited to do it again.
Variation
At home, as autumn arrives we create something like a nature sorting table made of a large tray and many small containers. The boys naturally collect all sorts of things when we are out and about and when we are home we sort them into the correct container. If we have something new I organise a new container for it.
The tray sits on a low bench between our living and kitchen areas where the kids pass numerous times per day. The items often get transferred from container to container and sorted again.
This was also a great language activity for Henry when he was around two years old as he would practice the names of each of the items as he sorted. I also found that he was more likely to point out and name the same items as we were out and about.