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.
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Jar lids are great options for kids activities: they're readily available; they're easy to handle and store; they're practically mess-free.
And the variety of sizes and colors - from glass jars, plastic containers, beverage bottles - offers endless possibilities for making comparisons, sorting, matching, and stacking.
In this activity, kids practice early math skills as they sort jar lids by size and color.
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. Place the container on a shelf where it is accessible for independent playtime, or until you are ready to set up an activity.
Related: Activities with jar lids
Sorting jar lids preschool math
Along with the lids, we recycled plastic produce containers for these sorting activities. The jar lids are conveniently stored in the produce containers after the activities.
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.
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.
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.
- Dip jar lids in paint and transfer paint to paper.
These are just a few ways jar lids can be used in everyday play. Take advantage of the simplicity of reusing lids for crafts and games with early learners.
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, then allow time for kids to engage with the materials.
