Getting started.
Collect a large number of coloured interlocking cubes, preferable those that will join in one direction only. A rectangular cloth to form the working area for each child might be useful. Ensure everyone can reach the cubes.
Possible Context.
This activity is most suitable for inside play, perhaps linking to themes of Ourselves, Buildings or Castles. You may have been a sharing a story with a suitable link, too such as Rumpelstiltskin.
1. Creating a Tower.
I like the tower you've made. Tell me about it.
Can you make your tower stand up?
Let's look at all the towers.
How is your tower the same/different to others?
2. Counting Cubes.
How many cubes in your tower?
How do you know?
Here is (or Give me) a cube. How many in your tower now?
Here is (or Give me ) another cube. How many in your tower now?
Some of the possible routes they might take.
1. Creating Towers.
2. Counting the cubes in towers.
3. Making towers taller.
4. Making towers shorter.
5. Comparing and combining towers.
3. Adding.
Can you make your tower a bit taller?
How many cubes did you add?
How many cubes in your tower now?
Can you still make your tower stand up?
4. Taking Away.
Can you make your tower shorter?
How many cubes did you take away?
How many cubes in your tower now?
In addition to these Mathematical observations you will have opportunities to observe other aspects of the EYFS Themes and Commitments. You may like to print off this sheet as an aide, on which you can note down observations.
Please do send us photo, further suggestions and comments.
Print this off here .
5. Comparing and Combining.
Who has the tallest/shortest tower?
Can you put the towers in order, starting with the shortest?
Put two/all of the towers together. How many cubes now?
Label your tower with the number of cubes.
Is it taller/shorter than you?