Reading and Writing
Technique:
CUBING
Cubing is a technique that can prepare students to read or
write by having them think on six levels of cognition. Cubing can be done on an individual level or
as an entire class. The reader or
writer imagines a cube and puts one of the six tasks on each of the six
sides. Each task is considered for no
more than five minutes. The reader or
writer has to think from many perspectives because all six sides of the cube
are used.
Steps for Cubing:
- The
teacher should construct a cube for a visual prop. To do this, cover a square box with
construction paper and label each side.
The sides should be labeled as follows: Describe it, Compare it,
Associate it, Analyze it, Apply it, and Argue for or against it.
- The
teacher needs to pass out to students the Six Sides of Cubing
handout. Using the cube as a
visual prop, the teacher should model the strategy using a pen or
something simple students will understand. Each student should write down their thoughts of the pen for
each side of the cube. Students should
be given no more than five minutes on each side of the cube.
- After
the class or individual completes the cubing of the pen, then students
should practice cubing on a concept that is in their sphere of
knowledge. Finally, students
should use cubing on more difficult concepts to clarify thinking. The teacher should time students while
they are doing the activity. It
may also be helpful to have students discuss what they have written down
for each of the six tasks. This
will let students know if they are on the right track with their ideas.
Morgan, R. F., & Richardson, J. S. (2000). Reading to
learn in the content areas (Fourth Edition). Belmont: Wadsworth Thomas
Learning.