Sorting & simple problem-solving

What’s happening

Fitting shapes and nesting cups together is early problem-solving — trial, error, and adjustment — well before it looks like 'thinking it through.' Expect a lot of forcing the wrong shape in before the right one; that persistence is exactly the skill being built.

How to support it

• Start with just two or three shapes or sizes before adding more — too many options can overwhelm before it's fun.
• Let them struggle a little before helping; the trial-and-error is the point, not just the finished sort.
• Name the shapes and sizes out loud as they work — the vocabulary sticks alongside the physical skill.