When you are illustrating the concept of data tables to children, keep it simple. You don't want to overwhelm children with an overly complex table. Also, keep the observations or data they're recording simple as well. Remember that young children can't grasp abstractions easily. It would be best to have them record concrete observations such as colors and size. If you must use numbers as data, use simple integers and not fractions or decimals. Keeping the observations simple will allow the kids to focus on and learn the concept of the data table.
Use a ruler to create a table containing six cells in two columns of three. You can accomplish this by drawing four horizontal lines in a grid with three vertical lines.
2
Give the data table a simple name that reflects the data that will be recorded in it. For instance, you might be having the children record the number of chairs in two different classrooms. You could call the table "Chairs in Rooms 234 and 236."
3
Write the names of the columns in the first cells at the top of each column. For instance, you could write "Room Number" in the upper left cell and "Number of Chairs" in the upper right cell.
4
Write the appropriate variables in the first column. For instance, you could write the room numbers 234 and 236 in the second and third boxes of the first column.
5
Have the kids collect the data and record it in the appropriate column. In the example, the kids would count the number of chairs in rooms 234 and 236. You would then write the number of chairs in room 234 in the second cell of the second column and the number of chairs in room 236 in the third cell of the second column.
Children learn valuable information by feeling, smelling and manipulating a variety of materials. Children learn through sensory experiences from day one.
