Colors and shapes: how the skill grows from 18 to 36 months
Colors and shapes means noticing, matching and later naming colors and simple shapes. Color and shape words help a child describe things, sort them and find them when asked.
Updated
Colors and shapes: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Matches colors. Puts two red blocks together when shown.
Activities that fit this step
- Does It Roll? Ramp Test · 15–26 months · 5–10 min
- One Open Hole Shape Sorter · 17–27 months · 5–10 min
- Big Paper Brush Painting · 18–30 months · 5–15 min
Next step: Picks a color on request. Points to the blue car when you ask for blue.
Activities that fit this step
- Big Paper Brush Painting · 18–30 months · 5–15 min
- Cardboard Box Circle and Square · 20–30 months · 5–10 min
- Egg Cup Circle Stamping · 22–32 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Names a color. Says "red" or "yellow" about something they see.
Activities that fit this step
- Clothespin-Knob Box Puzzle · 23–32 months · 5–10 min
- Chalk Lily-Pad Hop Path · 26–36 months · 5–15 min
- Color Parking Lot for Cars · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Notices shapes. Points to a round plate and says "circle".
Activities that fit this step
- Kitchen Outline Match Mat · 26–36 months · 5–12 min
- Trace Around the Lid · 26–36 months · 5–12 min
- Melting Color Ice Pucks · 27–36 months · 8–15 min
Top of the ladder (notices shapes). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Melting Color Ice Pucks · 27–36 months · 8–15 min
- Chalk Lines and Water Brush · 28–36 months · 10–20 min
- Egg Carton Color Hunt · 28–36 months · 10–20 min
The colors and shapes ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 18 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Notices bright colors
Reaches for the bright red cup among plain ones.
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Matches colors
Puts two red blocks together when shown.
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Picks a color on request
Points to the blue car when you ask for blue.
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Names a color
Says "red" or "yellow" about something they see.
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Notices shapes
Points to a round plate and says "circle".
When colors and shapes usually shows up
Showing they know at least one color, such as picking out the red crayon when asked, is a CDC 30-month milestone. Matching colors usually comes before naming them, and naming shapes tends to come later.
This page follows colors and shapes from 18 to 36 months, a window that spans the 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 13 activities practise colors and shapes (4 as their main skill), for ages 15 to 36 months. Each needs a few minutes of setup. By age, they sit closest to steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder, most (7) on “Names a color”.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 30 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve colors and shapes. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 months | Shows they know at least one color, for example picking out the red crayon when you ask for red. |
Activities that practise colors and shapes
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 6 early concepts, 4 fine motor, 2 creativity & pretend and 1 gross motor. Quickest to start: Cardboard Box Circle and Square (5–10 minutes).
Step 1: Notices bright colors
Step 2: Matches colors
Step 3: Picks a color on request
Skills practised alongside
The activities for colors and shapes most often also work on matching (3), painting (3), problem solving (3), scribbling and early drawing (3) and cause and effect (2). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Use color words in everyday talk: "your yellow boots", "the red bus".
- Sort a few toys by color into bowls, starting with just two colors.
- Look for circles and squares on walks: wheels, windows, signs.
What to avoid
- Color flashcards and drills; color words stick best when attached to real things.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If by 30 months your child does not show they know any color, even by pointing, mention it, especially if you also have questions about their vision or language.
Worried about colors and shapes between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start colors and shapes?
Showing they know at least one color, such as picking out the red crayon when asked, is a CDC 30-month milestone. Matching colors usually comes before naming them, and naming shapes tends to come later. The first step to look for: reaches for the bright red cup among plain ones.
How can I help my toddler with colors and shapes?
Use color words in everyday talk: "your yellow boots", "the red bus". Sort a few toys by color into bowls, starting with just two colors. A good first activity is Does It Roll? Ramp Test (15–26 months).
What should I avoid when practising colors and shapes?
Color flashcards and drills; color words stick best when attached to real things.
When should I mention colors and shapes to the pediatrician?
If by 30 months your child does not show they know any color, even by pointing, mention it, especially if you also have questions about their vision or language. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.