Collecting and recording data is an important part of students learning about science. However, it can be challenging to teach young students how to collect data and record it properly. The article “Recording Data with Young Children” by Peggy Ashbrook discusses ideas of introducing lower elementary grade students to collecting data. It is suggested that teacher should begin with topics that the children are interested in, favorite colors would be and example. From there the students can start representing data by lining up and forming a graph themselves. Then moving on to data that is collected over long periods of time and can be kept track of with the use of tally marks. The article even provides an activity for teachers to use in their classrooms with rubber bands. I think this is a great starting resource for teachers to begin introducing a difficult topic with young children.
The Early Years: Recording Data With Young Children (Journal Article)
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