Sorter – a useful educational toy for children 1 year old

A sorter is an invaluable tool for your child’s growth and development, not just a basic toy. Children are inherently curious and eager to learn about the world around them when they are about a year old. A sorter offers the ideal setting for them to enjoy themselves while participating in practical learning.

Your child gains vital abilities like fine motor control, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination as they fit shapes into the appropriate slots. The foundation for later, more complex learning is laid by these early experiences.

Your child will learn concepts like shape recognition and spatial awareness as they play with a sorter. It’s a fun approach to promote education and development in these crucial early years of life.

Benefit	Description
Develops Motor Skills	Sorting shapes helps children improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Enhances Cognitive Abilities	It encourages problem-solving as children figure out which shape fits where.
Promotes Shape Recognition	Children learn to identify and differentiate between various shapes.
Boosts Concentration	Focusing on placing the shapes in the correct slots increases attention span.
Encourages Independence	Children can play on their own, building confidence in their abilities.

What is it?

Italy is the birthplace of this intriguing game, which dates back to the early 1900s. Maria Montessori, a well-known educator and advocate of the early development approach, was the first to think of sorting. Her like-minded colleagues, the Nikitins, a husband and wife team of teachers, carried this idea over to Russia. Sorters were previously manufactured by hand, but in the 1930s, Fisher Price published the first editions of this amazing wooden game.

Demand and time allowed production to advance to plastic copies. There are many manufacturers of this toy nowadays, so there are a lot of options and choices.

The toy sorter looks like this: it’s a sorting base that distributes figures based on a feature, usually color, size, or shape. Frames, pyramid-shaped columns, and volumetric figures (houses, balls, and cubes) can all be used for the base panel. This toy’s second name is a sorter, and that’s really what the entire game is about. The primary distinction from basic sorting is that precise contours and colors are present, prohibiting haphazard sorting and necessitating accuracy and output from the child.

The toy is meant for kids between the ages of three and four years old. But the child has been aware of the sorter’s immediate job for around 11 months.

What is useful?

Sorter: Definitely a helpful toy for a child’s versatile development

• introduces the concepts: “the same – different”, “the same”, “similar”, “they fit – are not suitable”;
• activates the ability to compare, analysis, classification, sorting, helps to establish causal relationships;
• Develops memory – the child remembers what corresponds to, also the simultaneous impact on vision and touch, tactile sensations also affect memory;
• teaches to distinguish figures by signs (shape, color, quantity, texture);
• learns to navigate in space;
• develops fine motor skills, coordination of movements, dexterity, which affect thinking abilities, logical thinking and speech apparatus, that is, thanks to this, the child can start talking earlier;

• if there are several sorters, it is better to buy them from different materials, the child will learn to distinguish between wood, plastic, fabric and remember the sensations from each of them;
• sorters with sound effects train hearing, help to remember and create sound associations;
• develops technical thinking, design skills;
• develops perseverance and attentiveness, diligence, makes you concentrate;
• contributes to the early development of children, it is not for nothing that this toy is the basis of early development pedagogy.

The sorter offers enormous advantages to the kid as well as the parents, who can unwind while engaging in a stimulating activity with their infant.

Materials

Sorters are made from the following materials:

• Wood. The most environmentally friendly material, so it is often chosen by caring parents. Wooden sorter is easy to wash and process. A pleasant material for tactile sensations, as it keeps the baby"s palm warm, and also allows you to feel the weight of the elements.

• Plastic. Bright details, lightweight and waterproof – everything that is so necessary for a children"s toy. These qualities allow you to take it with you anywhere. A plastic sorter is easy to wash and process, which is a plus for its safety. Of course, the material can be alarming due to its toxicity, unnaturalness, but modern technologies have made such toys as safe as possible for children.

• Fabric. Fabric figures of various textures and colors attract the attention of children. Such a sorter is suitable for the little ones. And the filler helps motor skills. Another nice bonus is that there is sound accompaniment inside the figures – rattles, squeakers. It is not without its weaknesses – such a toy can be crumpled and inserted into any hole, which defeats the purpose of the whole game. Well, mothers say that the body itself also crumples and the lack of rigidity does not suit the baby.
• Combined. Combines several materials. Aimed at developing motor skills in the child, the ability to distinguish textures and materials. The downside is that if the base is fabric, then when carrying hard parts fall out.

Varieties

The features listed below are used to categorize sorters.

By complexity

Different solution options are suggested by the sorter’s varying levels of complexity. "Half-sorters" are games where there can be multiple answers, such as pyramids, nesting dolls, and cups for elementary school kids. In this situation, an adult has to guide the child toward the best option, provide a hint, or show the child what to choose. These toys’ numerous game options are their main benefit. Sorters that sort directly: the base and the figures that are inserted. Unless there are similar shapes and holes, such as octagons and hexagons, circles and ovals, they have only one solution.

Seguin boards, which consist of a base board with unique inserts such as fruits, geometric figures, and other details that can complete a drawing, are referred to as exclusive.

By type

A putting-on game and an insert game are the two primary categories. A three-dimensional form with holes for inserting figures is called an insert game. The base can be shaped like a cube, ball, or other toys like a car, house, or other vehicle. Pins with figures that must be placed on the base make up a putting-on game. There can be variations in the shapes, colors, and holes and columns in the figures. To fix, figures are rotated or put on. Geometric sorters in the shape of frames and figures inserted there are also included in this.

By age

Sorters differ in material and complexity. Fabric sorters are good for young children up to a year old. You can select volumetric toys and vertical sorters for kids one year of age and up. More figures and more intricate silhouettes with more functionality can be selected for older babies.

By shape

Sorters are thoughtfully designed by manufacturers. Even the most erratic and finicky owners can be found thanks to their shape. The Tomik company’s cube, pyramid, and wooden sorter is the simplest format. However, babies need to be captivated, so a machine or a house can serve as the foundation. The three most intriguing models are a house with keys, a Patrick sorter-suitcase, and a ride-on that can be moved around the house (which is an extra feature).

By figures

Depending on the reason for the purchase, one can choose from logical, geometric sorters, animal figures, or numbers and letters for those who wish to learn. The figures become increasingly complicated as a child gets older, adding extra elements like scrolling, pressing, putting one into another, and step-by-step task execution.

By size

The toy can be large when the inserts fall inside or flat when there is a base that requires arranging or inserting figures and has the appearance of a curved frame. A hole for adding another element can be inserted in the middle of the figure, and such a sorter can be placed inside frames. Both small and large in size: a smaller game will be appropriate for older kids, while a larger sorter is better suited for toddlers.

Suitcases, carts, and sorter-rides are excellent for carrying and outdoor play.

By purpose

The sorter can also be used for developmental, educational, playful, and tactile purposes. The most important thing to remember when selecting an effect is not to use too many, as this will cause the child to grow weary quickly and the toy to lose its primary educational purpose.

With additional functionality

Toy universal. Apart from the sorter, other items that can aid in the baby’s overall development include onomatopoeia, labyrinths, lacing, watches, and hammers.

For one-year-olds, a sorter is an invaluable educational tool that fosters problem-solving and hand-eye coordination through entertaining and captivating play.

Tips for choosing

You should consider what age range the game is appropriate for before making a purchase. Its intricacy, composition, extra features, and safety must all be assessed.

A toy made of soft fabric with different fillers is the ideal choice for small children. The ability to wash is crucial for textiles. There should be no fading of the material and no off-putting smell from the filler. Such a toy is safe since it prevents injuries from careless movements and prevents one child from striking another during a group game.

If each figure has a filler that makes a different sound—such as squeakers, balls, bells, or music—the child will be delighted.

Babies should choose toys with as few edges as possible because their sense of vision is still developing and they could become confused or fail to locate a hole that suits them. A basic circle would be preferable to a flower or even more intricate flowers with various numbers of petals. There should be few holes with straightforward shapes. One hole on each side is sufficient for small children, or all the holes should be on one side.

Sounds that mimic animals or provide feedback on an activity by using phrases like "Well done!" or "Correct" are also appealing to kids.

Wood is the most environmentally friendly material for kids one year and up. However, bear in mind that a child of this age verifies everything with their teeth when making a purchase. Such experiments might not hold up well, and the child might bite off a piece of wood. Fortunately, plastic technology keeps up with its wooden counterparts and does not stagnate. The child will undoubtedly be interested in bright and light toys.

Here, the intricacy of the figures rises along with the number of holes. More animal silhouettes and angles, audio support, a step-by-step scrolling task execution process, and a color and shape selection. The child should be able to understand and recognize the shape; otherwise, they will become irate and won’t be able to distinguish between an asterisk and a pentagon.

Overall advice for all kids:

• The holes should not be too big so that the child cannot stick his hand in there, but too small ones are also dangerous, because the baby explores everything with his fingers. The size of the figures is also important – children put everything in their mouths, so the minimum should be five to six centimeters.
• It is better to choose pieces with rounded corners. Pin sorters should have rounded ends and a fairly wide base (however, it is better to be careful with such a game and play with the child).
• The figures should easily fall into the intended hole, but the hole should only match the shape of one figure. Getting stuck will irritate the child, but too easy entry of the figure into any cell will contribute to the loss of interest in the game. Therefore, after purchasing, the first game should be played by adults, checking the correspondence of the parts to the holes.

• The base should open so that the baby does not press anything and can also safely close it to continue his game without disturbing adults. This is a big plus for the child"s independence.
• Absence of strong odors, otherwise the game will be dangerous at least with allergic reactions. Such materials include fabric and plastic games.
• Ability to adjust sound effects.
• A reliable battery compartment that the child will not be able to open on his own.

An extra universal hole for each piece is fine for toddlers, but it is unnecessary for an adult child as it will take away from the purpose of the game. When making your selection, keep in mind why you are purchasing the game: to help the child develop their motor skills, to help them recognize colors, shapes, numbers, and letters, or perhaps it’s a gift. Avoid packing too much variety into one package, as this will wear them out. Purchasing multiple sorters with varying functions is preferable.

Verify the product’s quality by getting in touch with the seller, who needs to send a certificate, if the purchase was made through an online retailer. Examine moms’ reviews to ensure you make the best decision.

Most importantly, consider the child’s viewpoint. He has interests in animals, numbers, colors, and geometry; choose activities that will fulfill both his and your objectives.

How to teach a child to play a sorter?

• First of all, when teaching a child, the parent"s personal example is important. An adult shows – the child repeats. If the child finds it difficult, the parent takes him by the hand and repeats all the movements. Turn the sorter with the right side towards the child to make the task easier.
• Be sure to praise the child, thereby encouraging further action. Ask questions during the game: "Does this toy fit here? No! Let"s look for more". Support is more important than ever for a child, because it gives rise to self-confidence.
• Give up criticism and scolding. The child will no longer want to play a game for which he is scolded.
• Take your time, observe, give the child time to think and reflect, build a logical solution.

• At first, do not force the baby to play by the rules. Let him get acquainted with the sorter, study it, and come to the right solution by trial and error. Show the wrong solution so that the child understands that this way it will not be possible to complete the task, and the right one so that the child understands the difference, show emotions of frustration and joy.
• Come up with new versions of the game. For example, assemble with one hand, with two hands, develop your imagination, imagining that the sorter is a house, a garage, and the figures are residents. Trace the figures with a pencil on a piece of paper, create drawings. Take the parts with you to the sandbox or bathroom. Play for time or blindly, “by touch”.
• Accompany the game with comments and explanations – what kind of figure, color, what size is it. Over time, start asking questions, checking how the child remembers and learns the game.

• If the child plays with one figure, do not despair. Methodically repeat the movements, teach the figures. Then the second and all the remaining figures will be used. Try inserting all the figures into the same hole, and vice versa, one figure into different holes.
• If the sorter did not immediately interest, do not force or compel the child to play with it, put it aside for a while, and then show it to the child again.
• Teach the child to clean up the toy after himself, so it will last much longer and the risk of losing parts will be less.
• Don"t forget to take care of it, wash and clean it, keep it clean.

A sorter is an invaluable tool for a child’s early development and is much more than just a toy. A one-year-old starts to develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities in a natural and enjoyable way by interacting with various shapes and colors.

Children’s patience and perseverance can also be developed through playing with a sorter. They gain confidence and independence as they work to fit each shape into its proper slot and learn how to overcome little obstacles.

Fun learning can be achieved by integrating a sorter into everyday playtime. It’s an easy, yet powerful, way to help a child grow during this critical period of development.

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