How Tall With Cubes

Supports this milestone

• measures objects by their various attributes using standard and non-standard measurement. Uses differences in attributes to make comparisons. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

• A tub of snap cubes or other same-size stacking units
• Three to five familiar objects of different heights, such as a book, cup, and toy
• A recording sheet or whiteboard

Steps

• Pick one object and stand it next to a tower of cubes.
• Snap on cubes until the tower is as tall as the object.
• Count the cubes together and record the number.
• Measure a second object the same way, lining up the bottoms.
• Ask: which object is taller, and how do the cube numbers show it?
• Line the objects up from shortest to tallest as a group.

Variations

• Measure length by laying objects and cube trains flat on the floor.
• Use a balance to compare which of two objects is heavier instead of taller.

Differentiation

• For younger children, compare just two objects and name the taller one.
• For older children, order five objects and label each with its cube count.

Accessibility

• Use large interlocking units for children with motor differences.
• Offer objects with clear height and weight contrasts for children comparing by touch.

Safety

• Keep small cubes away from children who still mouth objects and supervise closely.

Practices these skills

• Compares Measurable Attributes

Evidence

• Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services