Tower Showdown: Comparing Quantities Maths Activity for Reception

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Model the Game

Sit with two children and demonstrate taking turns. Roll the die, count the dots aloud, and select that exact number of cubes to build a single straight tower.

2. Roll and Build

Let the children play in pairs. Child A rolls and builds their tower, then Child B does the same. Remind them to count carefully as they snap each block into place.

3. Compare the Towers

Once both towers are built, ask the children to stand them side-by-side on a flat table. Visually comparing the height makes the difference in quantity instantly obvious.

4. Use the Vocabulary

Prompt them to describe the outcome using target maths words. "Whose tower has more? Whose has fewer? Are they equal?" Ensure they practice saying the full sentence.

5. Rotate and Repeat

Break the towers down and start again! Repetition is key. As they get confident, step back and let them manage the game and the vocabulary independently in continuous provision.

Classroom Adaptations

Large class?

Set this up as an independent station in continuous provision with visual instruction cards.

Limited resources?

Use simple wooden building blocks, Lego bricks, or even stacked clean tin cans instead of interlocking cubes.

Mixed ages?

Let younger children focus just on counting the dots, while older children focus on the comparison vocabulary.

High ability?

Introduce two dice to add the numbers together before building, or ask 'How many more do you need to make them equal?'