Glue pictures of two different preschool relevant items such as cereals, colors or animals onto poster board. Write "What is your favorite (item name)?" in marker as the heading at the top of the poster board.
Create a four-row chart. Draw a vertical line between the different items and a horizontal line under the two items to create tally categories. Leave space and draw another horizontal line to create a row to write numerals.
Explain to preschool students that they have to choose a favorite item and can only raise their hands once. Stress this point because preschoolers may be indecisive, changing their minds depending on friends' selections.
Say, "Raise your hand if (item 1) is your favorite." Place student name cards or write student names of those who chose the first item in the second row under the corresponding item. Repeat this process for the second item.
Count the names of the students aloud with preschoolers and write a corresponding amount of tallies under each item in the third row.
Recount the tallies aloud with students while pointing to them. Write the numeral that represents the amount of tallies in the fourth row under each item.
Extend data collection activities to include charts with more choices. Encourage students to come up to the chart and write their own tally mark.
Expand upon data collection by supplying kids with their own chart worksheet and allow them to survey the class to find data.