Sorting item into categories

One goal and objective for preschoolers is to be able to sort items into categories.  The following are some ideas to teach this skill:

Gather up a variety of objects such as fruit, shoes, hats, balls, etc.  Place two balls and two pieces of fruit in front of your preschooler.  Have your preschool “match up” the fruit and the balls, explaining like goes with like.  Continue with other objects.  Add more objects once your preschooler has gotten the hang of it.