SE 1.03Pink Tower
The child builds a tower of ten pink cubes from the largest (10 cm) to the smallest (1 cm).
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child and unroll a rug near the tower.
- 2
Carry the smallest cubes first with one hand, holding each from above with the fingers spread; carry the largest cubes with two hands, one on each side, held against the body.
- 3
Carry the cubes one at a time and place them at random on the rug.
- 4
Look over the cubes, choose the largest, and place it on the rug.
- 5
Find the next largest each time, and place it carefully in the center of the one below, lowering it slowly.
- 6
Place the smallest cube on top with the pincer grip.
- 7
Step back and look at the tower from each side, bending down to see the steps are even.
- 8
Take the tower apart from the top, one cube at a time, and return the cubes to the shelf in the same way.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Build the tower with each cube touching the same back corner so all cubes line up on two sides.
- Lay the cubes flat in a horizontal stair on the rug.
- Build the tower with eyes closed, feeling each cube to find the next largest.
- Bring the cubes from a distance one at a time, always choosing the next largest.
Control of error
If a cube is out of order, the tower has an uneven step or a cube hangs over the edge of the one below; if a cube is skipped, the smallest cube is left over at the end.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Carries every cube safely and builds the tower in order without adult help
- Notices and corrects a cube placed out of order
- Centers each cube on the one below
Guide note
The tower is built on a rug, not a table, so a falling cube cannot hurt feet. If the child knocks the tower down on purpose, end the work calmly and re-present another day.