Sorting and Organising
Offer a simple sorting task using familiar objects — buttons, coins, pegs, cutlery, fabric squares or small items from around the home. The task should feel purposeful and satisfying rather than arbitrary. Many people find sorting and organising deeply calming.
Best Time
Any time of day. Particularly useful when a person seems restless, anxious or in need of something to do.
Duration
10–25 minutes
Setting
Dining table, lounge or any comfortable seated space
What You'll Need
- A collection of objects to sort — buttons, coins, pegs, cutlery, fabric squares
- Small containers or sections to sort into
- A table at a comfortable height
Preparation
- Choose objects that are safe, familiar and easy to handle
- Decide on a simple sorting principle — by colour, size, type or use
- Have everything ready before you invite the person to begin
How to Do It
- 1Place the objects on the table and explain the task simply: 'I wonder if you could help me sort these out'
- 2Demonstrate the sorting principle once if helpful
- 3Allow the person to work at their own pace without correction
- 4Sit with them rather than leaving them alone
- 5If they change the sorting principle, follow their lead
- 6Acknowledge their contribution: 'That looks much better — thank you'
Adapt It
- For someone with limited dexterity: use larger objects that are easier to handle
- For someone with limited vision: use objects with strong colour contrast or distinct textures
- For someone who completes the task quickly: add more objects or introduce a second sorting principle
- For someone who becomes frustrated: simplify the task or change the objects
What to Notice
Observe verbal and non-verbal responses — attention, movement, conversation, recognition, relaxation, curiosity, withdrawal, choice, initiation or other individual responses.
- Does the person engage with the task?
- Do they seem focused, calm or satisfied?
- Do they take pride in the result?
- Do they talk about the objects — their uses, their memories?
- Do they seem more settled after the activity than before?
PMEE Reflection
These questions are not about scoring whether the activity was successful. They are about noticing and retaining what you observed about this person's individual response.
- 1What seemed to matter to this person?
- 2What response did I notice?
- 3What could I remember and use next time?
Avoid assuming that smiling, participating or completing an activity automatically means it was meaningful. Equally, do not assume that someone who cannot actively participate has not engaged with the experience.