Color Recognition in Toddler/Preschooler?

Question

When does the average toddler learn to differentiate and identify colors?

Answer 1

You may find differences between boys and girls in this area as well.  Some children, especially males, may not be able to group colors at an early age.  Dark blue may often look like dark red.  This is not a sure sign of color blindness but most likely will take more time to develop in that particular child.  I have taught many young children through the years and seen this often, especially with boys.  In fact, I no longer make "tests" out of whether or not a toddler or even a preschooler can verbally identify or even sort colors.  I note if they can or can't and leave it at that.  I have seen boys who were not color blind but were very bright yet who still had color confusions in no particular order on the color wheel.  Color confusion with no medical backing for concern may continue even until the child is nearly of Kindergarten age.  I truly hope I have been encouraging to you.

Sharon :)

Answer 2

Identifying colors may be quite hard for toddlers, i mean actually naming for example that the ball is color blue.  So the typical child will be able to identify colors around ages 3-4 if they are exposed to the concept of colors.  However, differentiating colors comes first, which can be achieved even at the early age of 2 years old.  By knowing the concept of "same", a child may be able to group objects of same color (ex. red cup, red car, red plate; then blue ball, blue bottle, blue bib).  They may not know that the colors are namely red and blue, but they may be able to sort them accordingly. And the objects by the way should be solid colored objects with same saturation of colors (ex. no light blues or navy blue...just plain blue).

Answer 3

Kids start recognizing colors when they are babies, but different goals can be associated with colors.

(1) Naming each color

(2) Comparing similar colors

(3) Learning the colors of the rainbow and

(4) Expanding their colors into specifics (light/dark, shades, etc)

Goal (1) is usually taught in preschool, and is achieved around age 4 (however, each child is different). Goals (2) and (3) are achieved at 5-6 (Kindergarten), when children are exposed to the ideas of comparing (The sky and water are both blue) as well as "ROY G. BIV" (this mnemonic device sometimes isn't used until 1st-2nd grade, sometimes not involved at all). Finally, goal (4) comes gradually from 5-6 or 7, when kids learn to read (from experience, former students of mine have expanded their color range by reading the colors off crayons).

Basically, learning about colors starts around ages 3/4 and continues until the child finishes elementary school (when children become less involved with the teaching aspects of art ). Don't worry if your child(ren) seem "behind" or "ahead" of my schedule...every child learns differently!