Problem
Mum wants to know which decorations she has the most of.  Can you help her sort them out?

What is this problem about?
This problem involves sorting objects into categories and then counting them. This experience is the foundation for displaying data in pictograms.

Achievement Objectives
Statistics (Level 1)
- Collect everyday objects, sort them into categories, count the number of objects in each category, and display and discuss the results.

Mathematical Processes
- devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (use equipment).

Resources
Christmas decorations
Blackline master of the problem

Specific learning outcomes
The children will be able to:
- sort objects into categories and display the results
- count the objects in a category

1. Display a box of christmas decorations (limit to 4 types with fewer than 10 of each). Ask the children for ideas on sorting the decorations so that they could tell someone what was in the box.
2. Sort the decorations into types.
3. Discuss the results.
4. Share ideas for displaying the results – eg as a real object "graph"
5. Pose the problem for the children to work on. As they work they may choose to cut out the objects to form groups or they may redraw them.
   How are you sorting the decorations?
   How many bells are there?
   Which decoration are there the most of?
6. Share solutions.

Extension to the problem
Make a picture graph of the christmas tree decorations.