Graphing for Preschoolers Colors Mat

If you’re exploring graphing for preschoolers and want some fun, hands-on preschool math activities, you’re in the right place! In this easy activity, kids will explore simple graphing using everyday items they love to talk about and sort.

Whether you’re a parent looking to add some learning to your day or a teacher prepping a small group lesson, this idea is low-prep and high-fun. Best of all, it builds foundational math skills without kiddos even realizing they’re learning!

When you hear the word “graphing,” you might picture bar charts and spreadsheets—but graphing activities for preschool can be much more fun! – and age appropriate.

With this graphing activity, all you need are a few fun items in rainbow colors, some paper, and a group of preschoolers, and suddenly you’ve got a graphing activity they’ll actually be excited about—because it’s hands-on!

Kids get to see quantities in a colorful, hands-on way that really makes sense to them. Honestly, it’s one of those activities that sneaks in so much learning without feeling like a lesson.

Read this: The Ultimate Guide to Preschool Graphing

What Kids Learn from This Activity

This activity supports important skills in math, language, and thinking. Here are three main areas children grow in while graphing:

SKILL #1: Sorting and Categorizing

Sorting is the first step toward understanding graphs. Preschoolers practice grouping objects by size, color, or type. This helps develop early data collection and observation skills. They’re learning how to organize information in a way their brains can understand.

SKILL #2: Counting and One-to-One Correspondence

As children place each item on the graph, they count with intention—strengthening one-to-one correspondence and developing greater accuracy. This process turns counting into something meaningful, as children begin to see how numbers represent real quantities. They naturally start comparing groups, noticing which has more, fewer, or the same amount, too!

SKILL #3: Visual Data Representation

Graphing also helps preschoolers to make sense of data in a visual way. As they build graphs, they compare quantities, spot patterns, and start to understand what the information is showing.

Shop our Math Preschool Lesson Plans

Simplify instruction with ready-to-use lessons on measurement, sorting, and graphing.

Preschool Graphing Activity – Graphing Colors

In this easy math activity, children will collect, sort, and graph familiar objects. It turns real-world items into colorful data that kids can see and understand.

Classroom or Learning Materials Needed

• Colorful paper
• Small manipulatives (counters, pom-poms, buttons, or snack items)
• Glue (optional)

Additional Materials for Prep Work

• Laminator (optional for reuse)
• Printable graphing template
• Baskets or containers for sorting items

The Set Up

• Print the graphing mat.
• Set out the graph objects for building the graph.
• Set out a tub of snap cubes.

How to Teach Graphing Using This Activity

Let’s walk through how to make this activity fun and effective in your classroom or home.

Step 1: Sort the Materials

Provide a tub of rainbow colored snap cubes or other small manipulatives—these could be small toys, snack items, or classroom manipulatives. Ask the children to grab a total of twenty items, then have them sort into color groups. This is going to take a few minutes.

Step 2: Introduce the Idea of a Graph

Next, explain that a graph helps us organize and compare things we see or collect. You might say, “Today we’re going to make a picture that shows how many we have of each color.” Show a basic example or create a quick demonstration using colored blocks or crayons. Invite children to predict or guess which category might have the most before you begin.

Step 3: Build the Graph Together

Once the snap cubes are sorted, transition into building your graph. Invite children to place each object in the correct column, one at a time, while counting aloud. Reinforce one-to-one correspondence and directionality (left to right, bottom to top).

As the graph builds, help children compare columns and begin noticing differences. Keep the pace slow enough so everyone can observe and participate.

I almost forgot to mention, this free graphing printable has been updated!

Step 4: Copy the Data with Paper Squares

After building the graph with objects, invite children to recreate it using colored paper. Match the paper squares to the object colors, and glue them in columns to make a permanent version. This gives children a chance to transfer what they’ve learned and practice fine motor skills. Their finished graphs can be saved, displayed, or taken home.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the time for your preschoolers to glue the paper squares to their graphing mat, they can also use markers to color the data in. But if you want to do the paper squares, saves yourself some time by cutting them in advance with a paper cutter.

Step 5: Discuss and Reflect on the Graph

With the graph complete, spend time talking together about the results. Ask questions like, “Which column is the tallest?” or “Do any groups have the same amount?” Support children in using comparison words like “more,” “less,” and “equal.” Encourage them to share their thoughts and discoveries. This conversation brings the data to life and deepens their understanding.

Read this: Graphing Games for Preschool and Kindergarten

Graphing Printables for Preschool and Kindergarten

Need ore graphing printables? I’ve got you covered! Check these out.

• Graphing Lesson Plans with Printables
• Graphing Centers and Preschool Lesson Plans
• It’s A Zoo! A Counting and Graphing Game
• Winter Penguins Graphing for Preschoolers
• Fall Graphing Activities for Preschool
• Superhero Graphing Game
• Spring Garden Graphing Printables

Shop our Math Lesson Plans

Find the perfect preschool math lessons for easy, effective teaching.

Get Your Free Graphing Colors Printable Here

I hope this fun math activity finds a place in your weekly plans! It’s easy to prep, fun to do, and packed with learning. Grab your copy below.

FAQ: Graphing for Preschoolers