Big And Small Tidy
What you need
- a cardboard box for big toys
- a basket for little toys
- scattered toys
How to do it
- Put a big box and a little basket in the middle of the floor.
- Pick up a big toy and say 'big one, big box'.
- Pick up a little toy and drop it in the basket: 'little one, little basket'. Anything that fits through a toilet roll tube is too small, so keep those out of the pile.
- Let them sort the rest, saying 'big' or 'little' for each.
Why it matters
Tidying is going to happen anyway, and sorting by size gives every toy a quick decision.
What they're learning
- Sorting by size
- Deciding big or little for each toy is comparing, again and again.
- Size words
- Every toy that goes away gets called big or little.
- Helping out
- The floor gets cleared and they did a real part of it.
What to look for
Notice them hesitating over a toy that's neither big nor little.
A tip
Take the argument out of in-between toys by saying 'you choose' and going with it.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: you pick up and they say big or little
Harder: add a middle-sized bag for the in-between ones
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Everyday helper activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a basket · Toddler activities with a cardboard box