Preschool Sorting Activities With 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.
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.
Related: Activities with jar lids
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.
Sorting jar lids preschool math
We recycled plastic produce containers, along with jar lids, 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.
- Tape a piece of felt to the top portion of each container to indicate 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, from smallest to biggest.
More ways to play
4. Stack lids.
- Stack lids of the same size and different sizes. Count the lids in each stack.
5. Paint with lids.
- Dip jar lids in paint and transfer paint to paper.
6. Match lids and jars.
- Set a few plastic jars and lids on a tray. Kids can find the lid that fits each jar.
7. Make patterns.
- Create simple patterns or designs on paper or cardboard with stickers or permanent markers, similar to this game with disposable cups. Kids can place lids beside or on the dots to match the size or color of the shapes in the pattern.
These are just a few ways jar lids can be used in everyday play. Set out the jar lids as an invitation to play, then allow time for kids to engage with the materials.
Related: Use recyclables as painting tools
Open-ended activities like these provide opportunities for kid-led play. Take advantage of the simplicity of reusing lids for crafts and games with early learners.
