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Maths

Build a Tower and Count

Overview

Children build towers and compare heights.

Learning Objective
Children count objects and compare quantities.

Resources needed

  • Blocks or stackable objects

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Ask children to build a tower.
  2. 2 Count how many blocks are used.
  3. 3 Build another tower.
  4. 4 Compare: 'Which is taller?'
  5. 5 Count blocks in both towers.
  6. 6 Discuss which has more or fewer.
  7. 7 Repeat with new towers.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Set a target number
  • Build equal towers
  • Compare more than two towers
More information

Stones, bricks, or any stackable objects work. The physical comparison makes counting meaningful.

Use flat stacking (rows on the ground) instead of towers for children who find building difficult.

Do children count as they build or only at the end? Can they compare without recounting?

Stones, bricks, or any stackable objects found locally work well. If stacking is unsafe, lay objects in a flat row and count them instead.

Children may count the act of placing a block rather than the block itself — saying '3' as they place the third block but then counting only 2 when reviewing. Encourage counting the finished tower, not the act of building.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 10–15 minutes No prep Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Counting Comparing