Grade 4: Pictographs

Warm up with a quick recall on the board. Use the key to work out what each symbol is worth, then multiply, including half symbols. Line symbols up so rows compare fairly.

A pictograph (picture graph) shows data using repeated pictures or symbols, where each symbol stands for a set number of items given in a key. Early pictographs use one picture for one item; later ones use a key such as one picture equals five, and part-symbols for the leftover. The key is the whole skill. Model the method clearly, thinking aloud:

• Begin with one picture standing for one item, lined up in even rows so columns can be compared by length.
• Introduce a key so one symbol can stand for more than one item (for example one star equals 2 books), and always read the key first.
• Show how to draw and read a part-symbol: half a symbol means half the key value.
• Convert between the picture count and the real count by multiplying the number of symbols by the key value.
• Ask how-many-more and total questions so students combine rows, not just read one.

Work this through step by step on the board, then have the class talk you through a second one.

• Key: one circle = 5 children
• Bus: circle circle = 2 x 5 = 10
• Walk: circle circle circle = 3 x 5 = 15
• Car: circle half-circle = 1.5 x 5 = about 7 or 8
• Walk has 15 - 10 = 5 more than Bus

Do the first few questions of the practice worksheet together, one child explaining each step. Check for understanding before releasing the class to work alone.

Students complete the practice worksheet independently while you circulate and support.

Circulate and look for these, they are the usual sticking points:

• Ignoring the key and counting each symbol as one.
• Not lining up the symbols, so a row looks longer than it is.
• Misreading a part-symbol, or forgetting it counts at all.
• Multiplying by the wrong key value when converting back to real numbers.
• Counting symbols as one each when the key says each stands for several.

Pull the class back together. Ask one child to explain pictographs in their own words, pose a single check question everyone answers on a mini whiteboard, and name what you will build on next lesson.

Use the independent worksheet as the evidence. A child who can complete it accurately and explain one answer has met the objective; anyone who cannot needs the easier level and a short reteach next session.