Graphing with Dot Plots

This is Krista from The Knitted Apple and I’m excited to be back with another post on Who’s Who.  Today I’m going to talk about one of my favorite math concepts to teach- graphing.   

I find graphing fun to teach because it is often one of the most interactive math concepts.  Students love to participate in class graphs as well as create their own.  

One type of graph I teach my third graders about is a dot plot graph.  Students use data gathered (or given) to plot and interpret information using dots or X’s.  This type of graph is often new for them and adds a little excitement after several years of pictographs and bar graphs.

A perfect way to introduce dot plot graphing is with a class graph drawn on chart paper or on plain paper and displayed on a screen.  I like to survey the class first by asking a question and marking the results using tallies.  Then we use that information to create the dot plot graph together.  

One survey question that students always enjoy is favorite school subject.  Here is the completed frequency table/tally chart:

After gathering the data, we create a dot plot to show the data in a way that is easier to read and interpret. Students can use dots or X’s when placing the data on the graph. I find that X’s are much easier than dots for students to space evenly. 

You can download the examples and blank student survey and graphing pages by clicking the image shown below.

 If you’re looking for additional dot plot practice for your students, I have a Dot Plot Dice Roll resource that is perfect for math stations.  Just click the image below to download it from my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

I hope your students enjoy these fun graphing activities!