Shape Sorting Play and Language Development

Shape sorting toys are a simple activity with multiple opportunities for your child to try on their own. Toys with many pieces are great for repetition of language modeling. In this video I've done the following:

• Labeled the colors and shapes of the objects- Labeling shapes and colors across various activities provides multiple opportunities for children to learn the vocabulary concepts. Children will then begin to use shape and color words to enhance their verbal expression.

• Described what she was doing to pair language with her actions- This strategy, also called parallel talk, involves describing the child's actions and experiences using rich and varied language while they are engaged in an activity. This technique helps children expand their vocabulary, understand the structure of sentences, and learn new concepts by connecting words to their actions and experiences. By providing a language model that mirrors their own actions, children are encouraged to listen, process, and eventually produce more complex language themselves. Parallel talk also fosters engagement and interaction, making learning language a fun and natural part of everyday activities.

• Gave her simple commands to practice following directions "put in"- To begin to encourage following directions, I repeated the same direction over and over during this repetitive activity. It is not only modeling for her what she is doing, but it is beginning to teach her how she can listen to the command to follow herself.

• Modeled spatial vocabulary "in"- I made sure to describe where she was putting the objects as she did so and when giving her my command. "In" and "out" are great early vocabulary concepts to incorporate into your play.

• Repeated myself- Repetition plays a crucial role in language development as it reinforces new vocabulary, grammar structures, and communication patterns. When children hear words and phrases repeated consistently, they have more opportunities to internalize and understand language concepts.

• Gave her time to try on her own and provided help when she asked for it- You will notice that I allowed her time to try to put the shapes in on her own. This promotes cognitive development, problem-solving, independence, and confidence. When she asks for "help" (or her approximation of "help" at this time), rather than doing it for her, I provide her with support by showing her where it goes. You can increase your support if they still need additional help. If you see your child beginning to get upset, you can step in and model "help me" while assisting them.

Check out the video below to see these skills in action! Please like and subscribe to my YouTube page below for more video content!

Below are some shape-sorting toys from Amazon! (These are affiliate links.)

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube

Play 22 Shape Sorter

Fisher Price Block Sorting