Materials
8 1/2 " x 11" card stock paper (one for each graph you choose to do)markerlarge buttons (same size) in many different colorsglue
Instructions
Children enjoy giving their own opinions or telling facts about themselves. By creating these simple button graphs, you provide a visual representation of these opinions and facts and teach basic math skills.
1. Create a graph by dividing the card stock paper into the appropriate number of rows. For example, if you are going to graph hair color, divide your graph into four rows, one each for red, black, blond, and brown. (For this activity, hair color will be the example.)2. Ask the children in turn to tell you the color of their hair.
3. Let the children choose a button from the button pile and glue it to the graph in the appropriate row.
4. After everyone has had a turn, ask the children to interpret the graph. Ask, "What does this graph tell us about people with blond hair?"5. Lead the children to the correct answer for your situation (most of the children have blond hair, no children have blond hair, only a few children have blond hair).
6. Continue until you have had a chance to discuss and focus on each hair color.
7. Leave the graph up in an area where the children can access it easily. Notice if they discuss it with each other.
8. Other button graphing opportunities include: number of brothers and sisters, eye and clothing colors, kinds of pets, height, number of children in class each day, shoe size, favorite foods, favorite colors, favorite storybooks, number of cups of water or sand it will take to fill certain containers, time (in seconds) it takes to run across the playground, and so on. The possibilities are endless!
