This is the thirteenth best practice brief, a concise (but rich) article detailing research based, authentic, and age appropriate practices and experiences. In the text, Michelle Reed outlines some simple, but effective ways to use collection of data in early childhood settings.
Within the article, Dr. Reed, an associate professor at Write State University, shares real stories of children involved in data collection to find the answers to their questions. She also provides a variety of simple questions that teachers can use during routine times each day to give children practice with data collection that involves measurement, sorting, shapes, and more. There are also some links to examples of data collection that come from the Let's Learn: Inquiry Projects for Ohio's Young Learners which are also on the REC website. (author/nmb)
Data Analysis and Probability for Early Childhood
Data Collection
1.
Gather, sort and compare objects by similarities and differences in the context of daily activities and play (e.g., leaves, nuts, socks).
2.
Place information or objects in a floor or table graph according to one attribute (e.g., size, color, shape or quantity).
Statistical Methods
3.
Select the category or categories that have the most or fewest objects in a floor or table graph (e.g., favorite ice cream).