Much printed and electronic information is presented in graph form. At the earliest level children read and make picture graphs. From these they progress to bar, line, and circle graphs. Computers assist with the creation of each type but students need to learn the skills of reading and interpreting the visuals. Constructing graphs related to unit themes will provide hands-on experiences for this learning process.

In order to learn a skill a person must have prerequisite knowledge for each step. Think about the prerequisites needed by a student that is learning about graphs.

Recognize real objects	Symbols represent real objects	Units of measure help us tell about real objects and symbols	There are standard units of measure that help us interpret real objects and symbols.	Graphs can be made with real objects.
Real objects can be organized.	Symbols can be organized.	Units of measure help us organize ideas about real objects and symbols.	There are standard units of measure that help us organize ideas about real objects and symbols.	Graphs can be made with symbols of real objects.
Real objects can be counted.	Symbols can be counted.	Units of measure can be counted.	Standard units of measure can be counted.	Accurate standard units of measure can be sequenced and counted.
Real objects can be drawn.	Symbols can be drawn.	Units of measure can be drawn	Standard units of measure can be drawn.	Accurate, standard units of measure can be drawn.
Real objects can be used to make graphs	Symbols can be used to make graphs.	Units of measure need to be appropriate for the purpose of the graph.	Standard units of measure can be used on graphs.	Accurate, standard, and appropriate units of measure need to be chosen to share information with people.