Preschool Math Sorting Jar Lids

Colorful jar lids are easy to recycle for these fun preschool math activities. Kids will love sorting and counting a variety of jar lids, as they learn to recognize and name colors and sizes.

Easy preschool math activities with recyclables

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Colorful jar lids easily lend themselves to math activities. The variety of sizes and colors offers endless possibilities for making comparisons, sorting and stacking.

Lids can be recycled from items we use everyday - glass jars, plastic containers, beverage bottles. 

Take advantage of the simplicity of reusing lids for crafts and games with early learners.

Related: Activities with jar lids


Jar lids are a great option for kids activities. They come in lots of bright colors, they're mess-free, and they're easy to handle and store. 

Kids can help wash and dry lids as an added activity. Store the lids in a large empty coffee can or other up-cycled container.

Related: Storage for small toys and loose parts

Place the container on a shelf where it is accessible for independent playtime, or until you are ready to set up an activity.

Sorting jar lids

We recycled plastic produce containers, along with the jar lids, for these sorting activities.

The jar lids can be stored in the produce containers for storage after the activities.

 

Sort jar lids by size in a preschool math activity

 

 

1. Sort jar lids by size. 

  • Label the inside of the top portion of each container with words and images as shown in the photo.
  • Sort jar lids by size, from smallest to biggest.
  • Count the number of jar lids in each bin.

 

 

Sort jar lids by color in preschool math activities

 


2. Sort jar lids by color. 

  • Glue a piece of felt to the top portion of each container indicating the color of lid to place in the container.
  • Name the colors as you place jar lids in the bins.
  • Count the number of jar lids in each bin.

 

Sort jar lids from smallest to largest

 

3. Arrange lids in rows. 

  • Sort the lids in rows by color, or from smallest to biggest

 

 4. Stack lids.

  • Stack lids of the same size and different sizes.
  • Count the lids in a stack.

 

5. Paint with lids.

  • Use jar lids as paint pots.

 

Sorting jar lids math activity


Related: Use recyclables as painting tools


Open-ended activities like these provide opportunities for kids to play and learn with little instruction. Set out the activity as an invitation to play and allow time for kids to engage with the materials.

 

 Math Activities Board on Pinterest 

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