At what age are children able to categorize objects by both shape and color?

The ability to categorize objects by both shape and color typically develops around the age of 4 years. At this stage in early childhood, children are becoming more adept at using multiple characteristics to classify objects. By the age of 4, cognitive development allows children to make connections between different attributes of objects, showing advancements in their conceptual understanding and categorization skills. This ability reflects their growing cognitive flexibility and enhances their problem-solving skills, as they can recognize relationships and differences between various objects.

Children at this age are also refining their language skills, which helps them articulate and understand these categories better. This skill is foundational for later learning in areas such as mathematics and science, where classification and comparison are essential processes.