Transform data into a hands-on visual learning experience with Unifix Blocks Picture & Bar Graphs – a flexible and engaging resource that helps early years learners practise graphing in a purposeful and accessible way. Designed for Foundation and Year 1, this resource invites students to gather, sort and represent real data using unifix cubes or other coloured blocks. Whether introducing bar graphs for the first time or reinforcing picture graphs, these templates support students in developing foundational data skills through exploration and play.

Students begin by collecting a handful of coloured blocks and then use one of the included templates to graph the results. With four options provided – picture and bar graphs, each in both colour and black-and-white – this resource allows for easy differentiation based on learning needs, printing capacity or instructional focus. Students see their physical collections transformed into visual graphs, strengthening their ability to make connections between real-world quantities and data displays.

Unifix Blocks Picture & Bar Graphs supports mathematical thinking in a developmentally appropriate way. By using familiar manipulatives, students feel confident exploring graphing concepts such as sorting, comparing and counting. It’s a great companion activity to any sorting station or early data collection lesson. Perfect for independent work, pair tasks or small group instruction, the resource also works well in rotations or as an assessment snapshot during your data unit.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Count and sort physical objects to prepare for graphing
• ✅ Represent data using picture graphs and bar graphs
• ✅ Use comparative language such as more, fewer, and the same
• ✅ Understand basic graphing conventions such as labels and axes
• ✅ Build data literacy through real-world representations

What’s Included:

• 4 graphing templates:
  • • Picture graph – colour version
  • • Picture graph – black-and-white version
  • • Bar graph – colour version
  • • Bar graph – black-and-white version
• Templates designed for hands-on use with unifix cubes or similar manipulatives
• Ideal for individual, partner or small group tasks

Materials Needed:

• Printed graphing templates
• Unifix cubes or coloured blocks
• Crayons, pencils or markers for colouring graphs
• Optional: write and wipe sleeves for reuse or classroom display

How to Use:

1. Provide each student or pair with a handful of unifix blocks in various colours.
2. Students sort and count their blocks by colour.
3. Using the template, they graph the results either as a picture graph or a bar graph.
4. Discuss the graphs as a class – What colours had the most? Which had the least?
5. Encourage students to describe what they notice using mathematical language.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a follow-up to a sorting lesson or during maths rotations
• 💡 Incorporate into STEM activities that involve measurement and data collection
• 💡 Add to your early finisher toolkit for purposeful independent practice
• 💡 Use the black-and-white version with counters or stamps for extra variety
• 💡 Create a collaborative class graph to compare everyone's block collections

Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model how to organise and count blocks before graphing
• 💛 Use the colour versions for students learning to match objects to symbols
• 💛 Laminate templates for repeated use with dry-erase markers
• 💛 Extend the lesson by asking students to create questions about their graphs
• 💛 Encourage verbal reflection – “Which colour did you have the most of? Why?”

Unifix Blocks Picture & Bar Graphs turns simple sorting into a rich data experience – giving young learners the tools to record, represent and talk about their learning with confidence and clarity.