Pink Tower

The Pink Tower isolates the concept of size in three dimensions. As cubes increase, volume increases cubically—this indirect preparation for mathematics helps children understand the decimal system.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Sensorial
• Learning area: Visual Discrimination
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Discriminate between three-dimensional sizes
• Develop visual perception of graduated dimensions
• Build mathematical concepts of big/small
• Prepare for decimal system (cubes increase by factor of 2)

Materials

• Pink Tower: 10 pink wooden cubes graduated in size
• Cube sizes from 1cm³ to 10cm³
• Work mat

Instructions

1. Invite child to work. Carry cubes one at a time, starting with largest. 2. Place cubes randomly on mat. 3. Select largest cube, place at base. 4. Select next largest, center on top. 5. Continue to smallest cube on top. 6. Step back, observe completed tower. 7. Dismantle carefully, return cubes to shelf one at a time.

Educator tip

Carry each cube with two hands to emphasize the weight difference. Never correct verbally—the visual control of error is inherent in the material.

Assessment

Child builds tower in correct sequence with cubes centered, demonstrating visual discrimination.

More from Sensorial

• Brown Stair (Broad Stair)
• Red Rods
• Color Tablets Box 1
• Color Tablets Box 2
• Color Tablets Box 3: Grading
• Touch Tablets (Rough & Smooth Boards)
• Fabric Matching
• Thermic Tablets