sorting toys

Sorting toys by color seems like a straightforward and visually appealing solution to containing the chaos. After all, there are professional organizers who firmly believe in the "Rainbow Method" and have basically built empires around it! ⁠
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But before you apply this approach to your playroom, consider the negative implications it could have.⁠
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Did you know that sorting is one of the first math skills that children learn? It lays the foundation for understanding more complex math concepts and helps build categorization skills and pattern recognition.⁠
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When the sorting criteria go beyond color, a child is encouraged to think more critically and make more complex classifications. Sorting also enhances observation skills, encouraging children to notice details about the materials they use. ⁠
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In some contexts, sorting by color can inadvertently reinforce certain stereotypes or biases, limiting exposure to a broader range of experiences and interests.⁠ ⁠
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The bottom line is that the Rainbow Method should not be applied to the playroom. ⁠
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But, there is one, and only one, scenario where it makes sense to sort by color, and that is when it comes to loose LEGOs. We think it's the only solution! ⁠