Cubing

What: Cubing is an instructional strategy that guides students in thinking about a topic from different perspectives to reinforce comprehension. The cube has six different commands or tasks, one on each side.

Why: The strategy helps students develop higher-order thinking skills by using various levels of Blooms Taxonomy. It reinforces speaking and writing skills because students must explain their reasoning. Cubing allows the teacher to differentiate instruction while still instructing the students on the same topic or skill.

When: Cubing is used AFTER reading for individual, small group, and whole group instruction.

Who: The strategy can be used for students in 3rd-8th grade.

How:

Introduce the topic to the students. Present the students with a six-sided cube with the sides labeled:

Describe it

Compare it

Associate it

Analyze it

Apply it

Argue for or against it

You may have the students consider one perspective or have each student consider all six perspectives. This strategy can also be used in groups. Give the students about five minutes to consider the assigned perspectives. Allow the students to either talk or write about the assigned topic.