Colour matching is a skill most children enjoy exploring around age 2 (of course every child is different and this age will vary). We've put this colour matching blog together to show you how you can use open-ended toys and pieces you already have to explore this phase of learning and how you can vary and create a multitude of activities for your little one.
Before colour matching begins discovery baskets are a great way to introduce the concept of colour to children by doing single colour baskets like below.
To find out more about discover baskets check out this blog.
When introducing colour matching activities initially I would generally recommend 2-3 colours and the slowly increasing the options as your child begins to grasp the idea. Keep the set up simple so you child can focus on what the colours. Below is a great introductory activity.
Grimm's rainbow friends in a bowls
This is where open-ended pieces shine! Below you can see the Bowls from the Grimm's Rainbow Friends in Bowls set but matched with the Large Grimm's Balls to mix up the activity.
Grimm's Rainbow Friends in Bowls set and Large Grimm's Balls
The Grimm's Rainbow, Semi-circles or Building Boards make excellent base pieces for colour matching.
DIY is another great option for colour matching activities. Using paint samples, coloured cardboard or paint you can DIY a great colour matching activity for your little one using anything you have on hand.
Squigz 2.0s with paint samples
Metal-rimmed counting chips and an egg carton make a great activity to work on colour matching and dexterity.
Grapat Rainbow Mandala Egg sorting with laminated coloured eggs would be a great colour-matching activity for Easter.
Dot stickers and Grapat Coins
Flower Toob and Kupz
A great way to change up a simple colour-matching activity is to add a sensory base. Simply bury your loose parts in your chose sensory base and then dig them up and match them. You can also do a treasure hunt or wrap the pieces in aluminium foil. If you want ideas for sensory bases check out this blog here.
Once children have mastered simple matching you can move onto "sorting" or "categorising" which is a little more complicated. Below are some examples of this.
Grimm's Semi-Circles and Large Rainbow pieces and Grapat Mandalas
Papoose Pom-poms and Lola Tubes
Photos by:
Ashleigh @3to.play
Liz @playinginstyle
Jenna @jenna_milburn