Read a pictogram
Count the symbols in each row to find the total.
Key: each square stands for 1 choice
Each symbol stands for 1 in this simple pictogram.
Year 2
Interpret and construct simple pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams and simple tables
Read and organise small sets of data using pictograms, tallies and tables.
Lesson overview
Statistics
Charts and tables help us organise information so it is easier to read. A tally chart records counts. A pictogram uses symbols. A table keeps the categories and totals in rows and columns.
Read a tally table
The tally marks and total show the same amount.
| Fruit | Tally | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | |||| | 4 |
| Bananas | || | 2 |
| Pears | ||| | 3 |
Count the tally marks carefully before checking the total.
Compare categories
Apples have the greatest total in this chart.
4 choices
3 choices
2 choices
The greatest total is the row with the largest count.
Worked example
How many children chose pears?
Key: each square stands for 1 choice
| Fruit | Tally | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | |||| | 4 |
| Bananas | || | 2 |
| Pears | ||| | 3 |
- Find the pears row in the chart or table.
- Count the symbols or tally marks.
- There are 3.
- So 3 children chose pears.
Try it
Use the pictogram or table to count each category carefully.
Question 1
How many children chose apples?
Key: each square stands for 1 choice
Question 2
Which fruit was chosen the least?
| Fruit | Tally | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | |||| | 4 |
| Bananas | || | 2 |
| Pears | ||| | 3 |
Question 3
Write the total for pears.
Key: each square stands for 1 choice
Question 4
Which statement is correct?
| Fruit | Tally | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | |||| | 4 |
| Bananas | || | 2 |
| Pears | ||| | 3 |
Question 5
What does the key tell you?
Key: each square stands for 1 choice
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Counting the heading or key as part of the data.
- Reading the wrong row for the category.
- Forgetting to check whether the symbol key is 1 or more than 1.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Ask and answer simple questions by counting the number of objects in each category and by comparing categories.
- Compare and order numbers from 0 up to 100; use <, > and = signs.