Cubing

Content Area Strategy - Comprehension

 

What:

Cubing is an instructional strategy that guides students in thinking about a topic from different perspectives. The cube has six different commands, one for each side of the cube, which requires students to view a topic from six different perspectives. The six commands include describe it, compare it, associate it, analyze it, apply it, and argue for or against it.

 

Why:

Cubing can help students develop higher thinking skills by using various levels of Blooms Taxonomy. Cubing reinforces speaking and writing skills in the students by requiring the students to explain their reasoning. Cubing also allows the teacher to differentiate instruction while still instructing the students on the same topic or skill.

 

Who:

• 3rd-8th grade

• One-on-one, small groups, and whole group

 

When:

• After reading

 

How:

1. 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, and 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.

2. Give the students about five minutes to consider the assigned perspectives.

3. Allow the students to either talk or write about the assigned topic.