- Definition
A pictograph uses little pictures or symbols, like a drawing of a star, to show how many of something there are instead of just numbers. For example, if each star means 5 points, then two stars would show 10 points.
A chart that uses one apple picture for each child who likes apples is a pictograph.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A pictograph is like a sticker chart where each sticker stands for one thing, like a chore you finished.
Ask your child: What does one picture on this graph stand for?
Common mix-up: Kids may just count the pictures without looking at the key. The key tells you what each picture stands for, which might be more than one.
Examples
- A graph showing a smiley face for each day a child was happy at school.
- A chart using a picture of a bus to show how many students ride the bus.
pictograph is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 Mathematics
- Grade 2 Mathematics
- Grade 3 Mathematics
- Grade 1 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 2 Social Studies / History / Geography
+2 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
