Looking for a fun and interactive way to explore sorting and graphing in your classroom? The Catching Fish: Sorting & Graphing Data activity brings excitement to early data collection, giving students hands-on experience with categorising, counting, and visually representing information in a purposeful and engaging way.

In this fishing-themed activity, students collect coloured fish cards and sort them on a mat. After sorting, they record the number of fish by colour using a picture graph or column graph – depending on their level and your learning focus. With both colour and black-and-white options included, this resource is easily adaptable for printing needs and learning preferences.

Whether used during a statistics unit, as part of a hands-on maths rotation, or in small group work, Catching Fish: Sorting & Graphing Data promotes core skills in data collection, visual representation, and analytical thinking. It’s a low-prep, high-engagement resource that makes early graphing concepts feel fresh, tactile, and fun.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Collect, sort, and count categorical data using visual prompts
• ✅ Represent data using a picture graph or column graph
• ✅ Interpret data sets by identifying totals, differences, and categories
• ✅ Build early numeracy and statistical thinking through hands-on practice

What’s Included

• Detailed teacher instructions
• 6 sorting mats (in high and low colour options)
• 6 sets of fish cards (available in full colour and black and white)
• 2 recording sheet styles – picture graph and column graph versions

Materials Needed

• Printed sorting mats and fish cards (colour or BW based on your choice)
• Scissors for cutting out fish cards
• Recording sheets – one per student or pair
• Pencils or markers
• Optional: magnetic tape and toy fishing poles for an interactive twist

How to Use

1. Print and cut out the fish cards and sorting mats. Choose colour or BW versions depending on your needs.
2. Provide each student or pair with a set of fish cards and a sorting mat.
3. Students randomly draw or “catch” fish cards and place them in the corresponding areas on the mat based on colour.
4. Once all fish have been collected, students use a recording sheet to graph their results using either a picture graph or column graph.
5. Students analyse their graphs by answering questions such as which colour had the most, the least, or how many in total.
6. Optional: Add magnetic tape to fish and let students use magnetic rods to “fish” for data in a game-like setting.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as a hands-on maths station during your statistics unit
• 💡 Provide one version of the graph for early learners and another for extension groups
• 💡 Incorporate movement by having students physically "fish" from around the room
• 💡 Pair with themed literacy books or science units about animals or classification

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print on thick cardstock and laminate for long-term classroom use
• 💛 Store card sets in labelled zip-lock bags for easy prep and pack-up
• 💛 Provide sentence starters for interpreting graphs (e.g., “The most common colour is…”)
• 💛 Pair with our Sorting Teddies resource for extra practice and variety