Sort into groups
Put the fruit into matching groups before you count.
Matching objects belong in the same row.
Year 1
Sort, tally and read simple picture charts
Sort a small group into categories, keep a tally, and read totals from a simple picture chart.
Lesson overview
Statistics
We can organise objects by putting matching things into groups. A tally helps us count carefully as we go. A picture chart uses one picture for each choice, so we can see which group has more, fewer, or the same.
Keep a tally
Each object can add one tally mark to the row.
| Group | Tally | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | 3 | |
| Bananas | 2 | |
| Pears | 4 |
Count one at a time so the tally and total match.
Read a picture chart
One picture stands for one choice in this chart.
Key: 1 picture = 1 choice
The longest row has the greatest total.
Worked example
The picture chart shows 4 pears. How many more pears than bananas are there?
Key: 1 picture = 1 choice
- Look at the pear row and count 4 pictures.
- Look at the banana row and count 2 pictures.
- Compare the totals: 4 is 2 more than 2.
- So there are 2 more pears than bananas.
Answer: 2 more pears
Try it
Count carefully and read the correct row before you choose or write an answer.
Question 1
Which fruit has the greatest total in the picture chart?
Key: 1 picture = 1 choice
Question 2
How many bananas are shown?
Key: 1 picture = 1 choice
Question 3
Write the tally total for apples.
| Group | Tally | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | 3 | |
| Bananas | 2 | |
| Pears | 4 |
Question 4
Which statement is correct?
Key: 1 picture = 1 choice
Question 5
What does one picture stand for in this chart?
Key: 1 picture = 1 choice
Common mistakes
These reminders help when sorting and reading charts.
- Mixing two different kinds into the same group.
- Forgetting that each tally mark stands for one.
- Counting the heading instead of the pictures in the chart.
Related topics
These connect to early grouping, sorting and comparing.
- Sort and classify objects by colour, size and shape.
- Use the language equal to, more than, less than (fewer), most and least.