Pictograms and tally charts: what children learn
In this game each question describes a pictogram or tally chart. Children read the key, multiply or count on to find the total, and compare two rows to answer questions such as 'how many more?'. Reading the key first is the habit that matters most.
Supports part of Common Core 2.MD.D.10: picture graphs with a single-unit scale. Keys of 2, 5 and 10 go a little beyond it. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 2.MD.D.10. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
How to play
Answer 10 questions before the clock runs out. Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4. Each game has 10 multiple-choice questions and a 150-second timer. A wrong answer shows the correct one before moving on. You earn up to three stars depending on your score.
Step by step
- Read the key first. Before counting anything, find out what one symbol stands for. It might be 1, 2, 5 or 10.
- Count in steps. If each star stands for 2, count the stars in 2s: 2, 4, 6. If each stands for 5, count in 5s.
- Half symbols. Half a symbol stands for half the key. If one star is 2 votes, half a star is 1 vote.
- Compare rows. To find how many more, work out both totals, then find the difference.
Worked examples
Example 1: Each ★ stands for 2 votes. Bananas has 3 ★. How many votes?
Working: Count in 2s: 2, 4, 6.
Answer: 6 votes
Example 2: Each ● stands for 5 votes. Dogs has 3 ●. How many votes?
Working: Count in 5s: 5, 10, 15.
Answer: 15 votes
Example 3: Red has 7 tally marks and blue has 4. How many more chose red?
Working: 7 − 4 = 3.
Answer: 3 more
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Counting symbols and forgetting the key, so 3 stars is called 3. Point at the key and say what one symbol is worth before counting.
- Adding the two totals when the question asks how many more. Underline the words 'how many more' and find the difference instead.
- Treating half a symbol as a whole one. Draw a half symbol next to a whole one and talk about what half of the key is.
Activities to try at home
- Make a pictogram of the family's favorite fruits, with one sticker for each person.
- Keep a tally of red cars passing the window for five minutes.
- Ask questions about a pictogram in a book or newspaper: which is most popular?
Ideas for the classroom
- Collect class data with a show of hands and turn it into a tally chart together.
- Give two pictograms of the same data with different keys and ask what changed.
- Students write their own 'how many more?' question for a partner's pictogram.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Supports part of Common Core 2.MD.D.10: picture graphs with a single-unit scale. Keys of 2, 5 and 10 go a little beyond it. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
What is a block diagram?
It is like a bar chart made of stacked blocks, one block for each item. It is often the step between pictograms and bar charts.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Press 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose an answer.