Laundry day? You’ve got to try this preschool sock graph!
Here, we combine math and socks for an epic introduction to graphing by making a preschool sock graph.
Graphs are simple to make and have a strong impact on learning. They offer a visual that shows your child of many ages a clear understanding of how many, and which object has the most.
Here we take something preschoolers know and use every day (socks) and begin graphing by color.
RELATED: If quick and easy activities are our jam, you must check out our activity cards!
How do you introduce graphs?
Graphing conversation starters
- Let’s look at the bottom here. I notice the colors are in each square. Which colors do you see?
- I also notice some numbers along the lefthand side. Let’s count them.
- Let’s take a peek in this basket. SOCKS?! That’s funny! I wonder why socks are in your basket. Should we place them on our graph?
- Let’s take a look at this first sock. I see some red and a little bit of yellow. What color is this sock? Is it MOSTLY red, or MOSTLY yellow?
- I agree. It is mostly red. Let’s add it to the first square that shows we have ONE RED SOCK. Can you help me find where the red would go?
Use language such as this when graphing with kids!
RELATED: These math manipulatives are great to keep on hand at home for play!
Here’s what I used to set up this graphing activity:
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- White paper roll
- Felt Squares – You can also use construction paper or marker.
- Socks – I bet they are everywhere!
- Washable marker
RELATED: Here are 35+ Color Activities for kids.
Here is how you make a graph for kids:
First, I lay two sheets of white paper vertically side by side. I tape the paper down with painter’s tape.
Next, add the felt squares (or construction paper) to the bottom of the graph.
Finally, place the socks your preschooler will graph to the left of the graph. If you don’t have colored socks, try this toy graph instead!
I love watching this indoor math game unfold. We had so much conversation.
You can extend this graph exploration by exploring
- The total amount of each color – How do you know?
- Most
- Least
- More than
- Less than
- How many more red socks than green?- He was not ready for this skill, but I can keep it in the back of my mind for when the timing is right. This would be a higher-level thinking question that is talked a lot about in Kindergarten and First Grade.
PRO TIP: Do not feel like you need to discuss EVERYTHING! Take activities with stride.
If your child shows interest, run with it! If they are checking out, try and regain focus once, then allow them to move on.
Remember, everything we are doing is to expose them to key concepts. They saw the graph. They graphed! – That right there is a HUGE win. Great job.
When will you make a sock graph?
