Changing the Way We Teach Math

What are the essentials?

A title that says what information is being presented
On bar graphs, both axes need to be labeled with words, and one with numbers.
On line graphs, both axes need to be labeled with words and numbers.
On pie charts or circle graphs, each part of the circle needs to be labeled with words and a percent.

Students will do many graphs, so it doesn’t matter much whether their first ones are perfect—they will refine them as they go along. Point out the parts they have done well, be specific about what makes those things good, and ignore the rest. The next day they can try again, and will feel confident about their ability to do it.

I don’t worry if they haven’t done percent yet when I start graphs. They can learn the single operation necessary—find x% of 360°—and practice it over and over, and it will be familiar when they get to the section on percent.