Shape Size Sorting Printables
I put together these Shape Size Sorting Printables for my child when I noticed he was getting curious about why some shapes were “small” and others were “big.” These pages made it easy for us to work on together and opened up a lot of fun size vocabulary.
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This printable pack focuses on size sorting through hands-on coloring, cutting, and pasting. Keep reading to see how this simple activity can help your early learner build a strong foundation for early math and thinking skills.
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Surprising Facts About Shapes
Shapes are more than just geometry—they’re the building blocks of early learning. Kids interact with them constantly, often without even realizing they’re learning. Here are a few fascinating facts about shapes that might surprise you:
- Shapes help children interpret the world around them. Kids recognize objects more easily when they can identify their shapes. This skill eventually supports reading and visual comprehension.
- Shapes are linked to pattern recognition. Learning to recognize and sort shapes is a precursor to understanding patterns and sequences—essential for future math and logic skills.
- Early shape recognition boosts spatial awareness. Understanding how shapes fit together or differ in size trains the brain to think critically and make comparisons.
Recommended Shape Books
Reading books about shapes is a great way to reinforce learning and connect it to stories and real-world images.
Square: Friendly shapesMy Very Silly Monster Book of Shapes: A Very Silly Monster way to learn all about shapesThe Book of Cute Shapes: A book about shapes for infants, toddlers and young kids. (Qt Learning)Grace the Shape (Silly STEM Stories)Triangle (The Shapes Trilogy)Hello Hello Shapes (Brendan Wenzel)
Why Kids Need to Learn About Sorting Different Sizes
Size sorting might seem simple, but it plays a significant role in a child’s cognitive development.
- Supports classification skills. Understanding size helps kids learn to group and organize objects by specific traits.
- Builds early math thinking. Concepts like bigger and smaller prepare them for comparing numbers and measurements later.
- Improves visual discrimination. Sorting by size trains the eyes and brain to identify differences and patterns.
Recommended Early Learning Printable Packs
If you want to expand your preschooler’s activity shelf, I highly recommend these printable packs. I’ve used them with my kids, and they’re great for practicing core skills through play and pretend.
Skills Kids Can Learn From This Shape Sorting Activity
This free printable shape sorting activity set may look simple, but it works on several key early learning skills.
- Visual comparison. Kids learn to observe subtle differences and sort based on size, strengthening focus and reasoning.
- Fine motor control. Cutting, coloring, and pasting exercises those hand muscles and build coordination.
- Following directions. Completing each task based on instructions helps kids develop listening and processing skills.
Recommended Shape Toys
Adding shape toys to your home can make learning more interactive and engage kids in hands-on play.
VTech Sort and Discover Drum, YellowEducational Insights Shapes Beanbags, Learn Shapes, Toddler Learning Toy, Preschool Classroom Must Haves, Set of 10 Bean Bags, Ages 3+Chuckle & Roar – Matching+ Wooden Sensory Shapes – Logic Puzzles – Premium Wood Construction – Flat Board Puzzle Pieces for Ages 6 and upMelissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube – Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes Classic Kids Toys, Wooden Toddler Toys, Shape Sorter For Toddlers Ages 2+Matching Eggs Easter Egg Toy for Toddlers – Color & Shape Recognition Sorter Puzzle, Early Learning Educational Fine Motor Skill Montessori Geometric Gift for 1 2 3 Year Old Kids Boys Girls (12pcs)Symdiro Montessori Toys for 1 2 3 Year Old Boys Girls-Wooden Sorting & Stacking Toys for Baby Toddlers,Educational Shape Color Sorter Preschool Kids Gifts…
Supplies Needed for the Size Sorting Pages
You don’t need much to get started, and everything can probably be found in your craft drawer.
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s Included in the Preschool Size Sorting Worksheets?
Shape Size Sorting
Your child will color the largest shape in each row and cross out the smallest. It’s a great introduction to size words like “big” and “tiny” while building focus.
Small, smaller, smallest
This cut-and-paste activity lets your child arrange shapes in order from smallest to largest. It’s hands-on and a fun way to use comparison skills.
Big, bigger, biggest
Another cut-and-paste worksheet, this one encourages kids to explore gradual changes in size. The progression vocabulary adds a language element, too.
Number the shapes
Your child will look at each group of three shapes and write the numbers 1 to 3, sorting them from smallest to biggest. This is a subtle introduction to sequencing and number use.
Sorting Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza activities? In this one, kids cut out pizza slices and place them in triangle slots from smallest to biggest. My daughter giggled through this one—she thought it was hilarious that pizza could come in many sizes.
Fun Preschool Printables for Kids to Try
There’s always something new to explore with early learning. If your kids enjoyed this, check out these other activities:
- Shape Lacing Cards
- Printable Shoe Lacing Cards
- Airplane Preschool Printables
- Ocean Size Sorting Printables
- Frog Worksheets for Preschoolers by Crystal and Comp.
- Tracing Shapes Worksheets by Homeschool Preschool
I hope this shape comparison activity adds a bit of fun (and peace) to your lessons. Size sorting is a simple yet effective way to build essential early learning skills without a fancy curriculum or screen time.
Whether doing one page a day or letting your preschooler pick and choose, it’s an easy win for both of you.