Worked example · Mathematics and Numeracy · Year 1

Sorting a toy box into a pictogram

DCF: Data and computational thinking → Data and information literacy

What this is

A finished Year 1 activity page from a pupil working securely, with notes on what to look for. It is also the answer key: 5 balls, 3 teddies, 4 cars; most balls; fewest teddies; 12 altogether; 7 big, 5 small, so more big toys. Pupil answers are shown in blue.

What to look for

One rule (Tasks 1 and 4): every toy goes in exactly one group, and the marks match the totals. Big balls must not be counted twice, once as balls and once as big.
The pictogram (Task 2): 1 square for each toy, starting at the left with no gaps, so the rows can be compared by length.
Reading it (Task 3): the pupil uses the longest and shortest rows, not the biggest pictures, to answer most and fewest.
Changing the rule (Task 4): the groups change, but the total is still 12 (7 + 5). Ask the pupil to check this.

The class toy box

Name: Date:

1Sort the toys. Make a mark for each toy. Write how many.

2Make a pictogram. Colour 1 square for each toy.

3Look at your pictogram. Circle the answers. Write how many toys.

4Sort again by size. Make a mark for each toy. Write how many.

Finished? Draw a new toy for the box on the back. Which group does it go in?

Why this page is secure

The pupil sorts with one rule at a time and records each group accurately.
The pictogram is drawn so that rows can be compared, 1 square for 1 toy.
Answers to most, fewest and altogether come from the pictogram.
The pupil sorts the same data a second way and the totals still make 12.