Learning how to Graph

My second-grade daughter continues to have problems understanding what graphing is all about. Is there any way I can help her? -- Graphing Problem
Answer: Graphing is simply the presentation of information in a pictorial manner. Try this simple technique to help her get a picture of what graphs do. You'll need a small package of M&Ms and a piece of paper. Begin by opening the package of M&Ms, and note the different colors of candies. Make a list of the different colors on the piece of paper, each followed by a row of 10 small circles. Have your child sort out the candies by color and place them in the circles adjacent to the color names. Ask the following questions:
1. What color is used most?
2. What color is used least?
3. Are there more yellows or greens?
Before enjoying the candy with your child, record the number of candies of each color. Keep the graph to use in the future. Repeat the experiment on another day and compare the results with your previous experiment. Ask the following questions:
1. Do all packages of M&Ms contain the same number of candies?
2. Do all packages contain the same colors in the same numbers?
You also can do this experiment with 1/3 cup of Froot Loops, colored marshmallows, gummi bears or dry bean soup mix. This type of graph is called a "concrete graph" because the graph uses the actual items being graphed.