This simple introduction to bar graphs is good for concrete learners because it allows children to move and handle objects while creating a large graph on the floor. Use colorful electric tape to create a grid on a flexible surface like a shower curtain and lay the grid out on the ground. Students can sort objects, such as cutouts representing their favorite sports or real apples to sort by color, and place them in the grid in rows to create a graph of their frequency.
This graphing activity uses students as the graph to create an engaging twist on regular representations of how graphs work. To create a bar graph, make long horizontal chalk or tape lines on a blackboard or wall in about five increments from the students' waist height to full height. Give each student a number and have them line up against the wall, crouching to different heights to represent their numbers on the graph.
This activity can help students make sense of the concept of a scatter graph, as well as clarifying the importance of well-defined axes. Clear the floor and have students estimate the right position between each pair of facing walls to represent certain data points, such as how far they live from the school and what time they have to get up. After allowing some confusion, define the scales of each axis and try again. Discuss what it means if students are roughly lined up, as well as explaining outliers.
Throughout your unit on graphing, you can maintain a graphing station on one of your bulletin boards. Create a grid or axes on a bulletin board and use large envelopes or clear plastic binder covers to create pockets hanging from the bottom of the bulletin board. At regular intervals, change the title to reflect a new question or preference and fill the pockets with cutouts representing different answers. Let students pin up their answers in rows to create a graph of the class' overall responses.