The idea, step by step
One record at a time
A list puts information in a clear order. Write or draw one response on each line.
You can number the lines to help check how many responses you have. Keep the answer exactly as given.
| Card | Colour |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blue |
| 2 | Red |
| 3 | Blue |
| 4 | Green |
| 5 | Red |
| 6 | Blue |
Read a list for a purpose
To count one category, scan the whole list and mark each matching item once.
A list does not have to be sorted first. Red cards have the same count whether they appear together or apart.
A common trap
Only matching answers next to each other should be counted.
Instead: Scan the whole list. A category can appear in several places.
See the thinking
Read separated entries
The list is blue, red, blue, green, red, blue. How many times is red recorded?
| Card | Colour |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blue |
| 2 | Red |
| 3 | Blue |
| 4 | Green |
| 5 | Red |
| 6 | Blue |
- Scan all six entries.
- Mark the two red entries, not just a matching pair in one place.
Repair a list
A child records the same person's answer on lines 2 and 3 by mistake. How should the list be fixed?
- Each person was asked for one choice.
- A repeated line must not create an extra response.
Check your understanding
Read: dog, cat, dog, bird. How many responses are in the list?
Show answer
4.
Each word is one response, including repeated categories.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Read: apple, pear, apple. How many entries are recorded?
- Read: bus, walk, car, walk. How many walk entries are there?
- Use the six-card list. What colour is on line 4?
Six colour cards, recorded once each. Card Colour 1 Blue 2 Red 3 Blue 4 Green 5 Red 6 Blue - Write a list for these three choices, using one choice per line: red, green, blue.
- A list has two children choosing dog. Should one dog response be erased just because the words match?
- How can numbering the lines help you check a list?
Read the worked solutions
- Read: apple, pear, apple. How many entries are recorded?
Count each entry in the list.
3. - Read: bus, walk, car, walk. How many walk entries are there?
Walk appears second and fourth.
2. - Use the six-card list. What colour is on line 4?
Six colour cards, recorded once each. Card Colour 1 Blue 2 Red 3 Blue 4 Green 5 Red 6 Blue Read the fourth record.
Green. - Write a list for these three choices, using one choice per line: red, green, blue.
There should be exactly three records.
Red on one line, green on the next, blue on the third. - A list has two children choosing dog. Should one dog response be erased just because the words match?
They are two different responses in the same category.
No. - How can numbering the lines help you check a list?
Check there are no missed or repeated line numbers.
The last line number helps show the number of records, if each line has one record.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum 2026
Year 1 categorical questions, response collection, lists, one-to-one displays and comparison of frequencies.
Official curriculum source ↗