How to Read and Interpret a Picture Graph

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to reading and interpreting picture graphs (also known as pictographs). Using a farm-themed example, the narrator guides viewers through the essential components of a graph, including the title, axis labels, and most importantly, the key or legend. The video demonstrates how to count symbols in different categories to gather data and how to perform basic addition to interpret that data. The content focuses on data representation and analysis appropriate for early elementary students. It explores themes of counting, sorting, and analyzing information visually. The video specifically demonstrates how to translate visual icons into numerical values (e.g., counting mouse icons to determine there are 6 mice in the barn) and how to synthesize this information to answer questions about totals and specific categories. For teachers, this video serves as an excellent introduction or review of graphing concepts. It models the thinking process required to interpret data, verbally articulating questions like 'How many mice are in the barn?' and 'What is the total number of mice?' It can be used to spark learning by having students follow along and count before the narrator reveals the answers, or as a model for students to create their own picture graphs based on classroom data.