Materials:
Simple, computer-generated bar graph
Colorful teddy bear counters (or an alternative)
Circular, colored labels that match the colors of the teddy bears
Directions: Create a simple bar graph with six squares up and six squares across. Stick five colored labels across the bottom. (The square in the lower left side of your paper stays empty.) Write in the numbers 1–5 up the left side of the graph.
The teddy bears we used came in five colors, but in lieu of teddy bears you could use colored buttons, paper clips, pompoms, etc., as long as the colors match the labels. Set out varying amounts (up to five) of your counters. Pick a teddy bear or button or whatever you’re using, and show your child how to look for the matching label along the bottom. Place the button in the first space above the colored label. Let your child place the other items in the correct squares. Make sure you don’t have more than five of any counters.
When finished, take the time to count the items in each color. Show your child the number that correlates along the side. Ask your child to show you that many fingers. Young children love lining up all the items and will probably enjoy doing this activity again and again!