Sticky note class graph: a 15-minute preschool data activity
What it is: a first data activity for preschool. Each student answers a simple question by placing a sticky note in a column on a big floor or wall graph, and the class compares the columns.
Time: about 15 minutes. Grade: Pre-K (ages 4 to 5).
Materials: chart paper or painter's tape on the floor, one sticky note per student, and a picture at the bottom of each column (for example apple, banana, orange).
- Ask a question with three picture answers: "Which fruit do you like best?"
- Show the columns and model how to put a note in the first empty box, from the bottom up.
- Call students one at a time to place their note. Everyone says the answer as they stick it.
- Count each column together and write the number at the top.
- Ask: "Which has the most? Which has the fewest? Are any the same?"
- Keep the graph up and ask a new question on another day, such as how students got to school.
Differentiation: for students who need support, use two columns only. Students who are ready can tell how many more one column has by matching notes side by side. English learners can point to the picture and say one word.
Quick check: point to two columns and ask a student which has more. Note who can answer by looking at the height.
For more ideas at this grade, browse the other free activities on the Hub.
Found this helpful? Get the week's best posts like it.
About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 29, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Math
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.