Math is all around us, even in our own homes!
Teaching young kids about categorizing household objects is a great way to introduce them to math concepts while also engaging their curiosity and creativity.
What is categorizing?
Categorizing is a fundamental mathematical concept that involves grouping objects based on their similarities and differences. This skill is important because it helps children understand the world around them and makes it easier for them to organize and remember information.
One way to introduce kids to categorizing is by using household objects. In today’s experiment, we start with categorizing into colors, but you can choose a few categories, such as colors, shapes, or sizes, and ask your child to find objects that fit each category.
Let’s dive in!

How to make the Fun with Sorting and Classifying math experiment
Supplies you will need
For this experiment, you will need the following:
- Different colors of tape
(or some painter’s tape and marker to color it)
- Household objects

Before you start
Depending on the tape you use and/or how long it stays on the floor, you will need to be careful about peeling it up since it could leave a residue or could peel off paint.
Instructions
Here is how to do this experiment:
Step 1: Place your tape on the floor

In this experiment, your child is going to go around the house and find objects that correspond to the tape colors you place on the floor.
Using each color of tape (or painter’s tape that you add color to), create large squares on the floor, one square for each color you want to be represented.
Step 2: Find household objects with the corresponding colors of tape

You will want to start with just one color to begin with, so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Have your child choose which color square they would like to start finding items for first. Say they want to start with the blue square: have them start running around the house and gathering anything blue they can pick up (and that you deem as okay to do so!).
If you want to add a competitive aspect to it, set a timer and give them 5 minutes to find as many items as possible.
Get your child involved: By allowing your child to choose the color you start with, you are giving them control over the activity, which could keep them engaged for longer!
Step 3: Make it more challenging

If the previous step wasn’t challenging enough, you could go further with your categorization by dividing it up by shape, softness, or even height within each color category.
And, if your child is more advanced, you could categorize further by material (is it made of plastic? Metal? Does it have stuffing in it?) or even function (does it turn on?).
The math behind the Fun with Sorting and Classifying math experiment
This experiment teaches:
- Developing sorting, observation, and classifying skills
- Improving language development
- Enhancing cognitive development
How it works
Categorizing household objects is a fun and easy way for you to introduce your child to mathematical concepts.
By starting with simple categories, using concrete objects, making it a game, using language, and reinforcing learning, this experiment can help develop critical thinking skills, improve memory, and develop language skills.
Developing sorting, observation, and classifying skills
Categorizing household objects requires children to sort and classify items based on specific criteria.
Through this activity, kids can develop sorting and classifying skills that can be applied to future math and science courses!
Improving language development
Categorizing household objects can also help kids improve their language development.
As they categorize objects, they can use descriptive language to describe the object, like talking about the object’s color, size, and shape.
Enhancing cognitive development
Categorizing household objects can enhance children’s cognitive development by providing them with opportunities to problem-solve, think critically, and use logic to categorize objects.
More math experiments that build categorization skills to try out with your child
FAQ about the Fun with Sorting and Classifying math experiment
Why is categorization important in learning?
Categorization is an important cognitive process in learning because it helps children organize and make sense of information. Categorizing involves grouping objects based on their similarities and differences, which allows them to identify patterns, relationships, and connections between different pieces of information.
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