Gingerbread Graph Ideas

It is very easy to incorporate graphing into a gingerbread man unit. Consider these possibilities to get the creative juices flowing. Remember to include different kinds of graphs as suggested below.

• Gingerbread Info.: As an introduction to the unit, graph how many students have eaten a gingerbread cookie, baked a gingerbread cookie or decorated a gingerbread cookie. [clothespin graph with simple yes/no options]
• Gingerbread Bites: Ask students to take one bite of their gingerbread cookie.   Graph or tally how many students bit off the head, the right arm, left arm, right leg or left leg. [bar graph, as shown, or pictograph using pieces]
• Gingerbread Taste Test: Have children taste several different gingerbread cookies, including homemade and store-bought. Ask students to vote for their favorite cookie. [bar graph]
• Gingerbread Man Stories: After reading several different versions of the classic story, ask students to vote on their favorite. [pictograph using book die cuts]
• Gingerbread Unit: At the conclusion of the gingerbread unit, have students vote on their favorite activity. [bar graph]

Question of the Day

Collecting, organizing and analyzing data are essential skills in today's world.  Some teachers incorporate daily practice by including a question of the day in the morning routines.  Students have markers with their names, and they are accustomed to completing this task when they arrive in the classroom, placing their marker in the correct spot.  If students are non-readers, assign one student to be the interviewer, repeating the question to classmates as they arrive in the classroom.

 

Suggestions:   

• Vary the format of the data organization, providing practice by using bar graphs, clothespin graph, Venn diagram, tally chart, line plot, glyph, etc.
• Use seasonal, weather, holiday prompts to collect data.
• Coordinate math question of the day to current literature, science or social studies units.
• Extend assembly and field trip experiences by graphing data about the particular theme.
• Check out this list of data questions for young learners.