Bump the Color Balls

1. 1

   Prepare balls in two colors, such as blue and pink, and two matching baskets lined with colored paper.

2. 2

   Tap one ball of each color together to catch your baby’s attention. Name each color as you place the balls in their matching baskets.

3. 3

   Hand your baby one ball and invite a try. They may imitate you but place it in either basket.

4. 4

   If your baby hesitates, tap their ball with another ball of the same color, then place yours in the matching basket as a clue.

5. 5

   When the ball goes in the matching basket, tap the two same-colored balls together and say, “Yes—these are the same color.”

6. 6

   If it goes in the other basket, simply move it to the matching one and show the two colors side by side.

7. 7

   Repeat while your baby stays interested, giving them time to discover that balls of the same color go together.

What to notice

• Puts each ball into the basket with the matching color Emergent Mathematical Thinking
• Looks at you when they are unsure where to put the ball Relationships with Adults

Tips

• Your child may notice that two colors differ before they can sort the balls consistently. Keep the choices simple, compare the colors side by side, and allow repeated attempts.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Comparing two clearly different colors and placing matching balls together gives your child an early experience of sorting by a visible feature.