Penguin Sorting by Size Activity for Preschool: Big Medium Small
If your child is learning sorting by size you will love this super cute, penguin themed, size activities for preschoolers! This penguin activity helps preschool, pre-k, toddler, and kindergarten students work on discriminating objects into big medium small. Simply download and print the activity in color or black and white and you are ready to play and learn!
Sorting by Size
Teaching preschoolers about size can be a lot of fun, especially when you bring in a hands-on activity! This size sort activity for preschool is perfect for introducing size concepts like small, medium, and large. With a simple printable featuring colorful fish, kids will practice cutting and pasting while sorting the fish by size.
The best part? You can make it as playful and interactive as you like. Last week, I tried this activity with my class, and it was such a hit. One of the kids even named the smallest fish “Tiny Tim,” and the giggles that followed were priceless.
Plus don’t miss free printable big and small worksheet, cute penguin books for preschoolers, plus lots of free preschool math worksheets!
How to Teach Size Sorting
Preschoolers are naturally curious about differences in the world around them. Size sorting activities help them sharpen observation skills while building foundational math concepts.
Why is size sorting important?
- Develops comparison skills: Sorting objects by size teaches kids how to compare and contrast.
- Builds math readiness: Recognizing size differences lays the groundwork for concepts like measurement and categorization.
- Strengthens fine motor skills: Cutting and pasting activities, like this one, help kids practice scissor skills and hand-eye coordination.
To teach size sorting, start with simple, familiar items like toys or blocks. Use words like “small,” “medium,” and “large” frequently, so kids get used to the terminology. Make it fun by turning it into a game or story—kids will learn best when they’re having a good time!
Big medium small
Step 1: Prep the Printable
Start by downloading and printing the fish size sorting worksheet. Each page has fish in two sizes: small, medium, and large. If you want to reuse the activity, consider laminating the sheets so kids can sort without gluing.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
You’ll need:
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- The printable fish worksheet
If cutting is too advanced for your child, pre-cut the fish shapes for them. This way, they can focus on the sorting part.
Step 3: Introduce the Activity
Explain that the fish come in different sizes, and their job is to help sort them into groups: small, medium, and large.
Step 4: Demonstrate Sorting
Show how to identify the sizes by holding up one small fish, one medium fish, and one large fish. Place each in its correct group.
Step 5: Let Them Try
Hand out the printable and let the kids cut out the fish shapes. Then, guide them as they sort the fish onto the sorting mat or into separate piles. Encourage them to say the size aloud as they work (e.g., “This one is large, so it goes here!”).
Step 6: Glue the Fish
Once they’ve sorted the fish correctly, let them glue the fish onto a sorting mat. They’ll love seeing their finished work—and it makes for a cute display!
Size activities for preschoolers
This size sort activity is a fantastic way to introduce size concepts while keeping kids engaged. Plus, the cutting and gluing give them a chance to practice fine motor skills.
Want to take it further? Here are some ideas:
- Size Hunt: After the activity, challenge your child to find something small, medium, and large in the room.
- Storytime Sorting: Read a book about animals and ask questions like, “Which animal is the smallest? Which one is the largest?”
- Real-Life Sorting: Use toys, utensils, or even shoes to sort by size.
By making size sorting fun and interactive, kids will develop critical thinking skills without even realizing they’re learning. I’d love to hear how your little ones enjoy this activity. Be sure to grab the printable below and give it a try.
Penguin Activities
- Play with this epic , simple penguin snow dough
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- 20+ Penguin Books for Preschoolers
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- Free Penguin Life Cycle Worksheet or these cute Penguin Worksheets
- Beginning Sounds Matching Penguin Game or this penguin cvc words activity
- Penguin Math Skip Counting Activity
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- Count and Clip penguin math game and free penguin Counting Worksheet Preschool
- Penguin sorting by size, find and trace shape worksheet or cute Penguin Shape Activity
- 30 penguin activities for kids to celebrate Penguin Day on January 20th
- Explore Penguins habitat with these free Antarctica Coloring Pages
Big Medium Small Worksheet
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