Data is information, and children are surrounded by it in every moment of their lives. Early childhood educators can teach children to identify, measure, analyse, compare, classify and sort, and visualise data. This may seem like a big task for young children, but babies and toddlers are doing this already!
Children will be interested in data if they enjoy maths, science and communicating ideas.
EYLF learning outcomes
As part of the Early Years Learning Framework, children use a range of texts (5.2) and media (5.3) and learn how symbols and pattern systems work (5.4). They use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking (5.5).
How to play with data
1. Find interesting data in your world
Fun and interesting data can be found in all areas of children's lives. Look for data that relates to their current interests and areas of learning. Children can collect and visualise data as part of the co-documentation process.
- Count objects or events.
- Measure weight, dimensions, temperature or time.
- Survey other children, educators, families and community members by asking them questios.
- Observe nature.
- Notice similarities and differences.
- Describe experiences.
2. Record and visualise the data
- Draw a picture, plan, diagram or map.
- Create a very basic chart, table or graph (e.g. tally, bar graph, pie chart, line graph, flow chart, or pictogram) with assistance from an educator.
- Make a model or an artwork.
- Write a story or keep a diary.
- Physically sort objects into labelled containers.
- Take photographs, record a video, or make a timelapse.
- Reenact something that happened through role play or dance.
- Make a poster or a sign to communicate a message.
3. Discuss the learning
- What can you see?
- What happened? What do you think will happen?
- Have you learned anything?
- Educators can ask children questions about the data (e.g. are there more beads or buttons?).
Examples of data play
Photograph the weather
Children take photos of the weather each day for two weeks. They place these photos in a long line to show the changes. The children discuss their favourite types of weather and make predictions about next week's weather.
Sort books and blocks
Toddlers pack away after playing, putting books on the bookshelf and blocks in the construction area. An educator asks questions: "Which toys did you play with this morning?" and "Is this a block or a book? Where does it go?"
Count letters
Preschool children write their names on small squares of paper. An educator helps them arrange the squares into columns (a bar graph), according to the number of letters in their name. The children look at the column heights to see which is the tallest and shortest.
Draw emotions
Each child draws a face on a poster to communicate how they are feeling. They either draw a blue sad face, a red angry face, or a green happy face. The children look at the poster together, identify the most common colours, and talk about their emotions.