Module 3Cubes in life skills
teaching
Different sizes, different learning
Introduction
You can use cubes of different types and sizes to teach a range of life skills, including:
• creative arts
• physical education
• life orientation (beginning knowledge, personal knowledge and wellbeing)
Learning cubes don't always need to be small handheld dice. In this module, you will
learn:
• how oversized dice made from large cardboard boxes can be used in physical
education lessons to develop gross motor skills
• how visual arts learners can work in groups to construct 3-dimensional objects
using different sized cubes
• how to explore life orientation topics within the broad themes of beginning
knowledge, personal knowledge and wellbeing using cubes
Get physical with cubes
Theory
You can use cubes of different types and sizes to teach a range of life skills, including
gross motor skills.
Gross motor co-ordination
Gross motor co-ordination is the ability to move muscles in a planned and co- ordinated
way.
The importance of gross motor skills
Gross motor co-ordination skills are important for physical and cognitive development.
Gross motor muscles are the large muscles in the arms, legs and core of the body.
Well-developed gross motor skills are needed for physical activities like standing, sitting,
walking and running. And strong gross motor skills are also needed for academic
success.
A multi-faceted learning tool
Key messages
Cubes are a versatile resource that you can use to teach a range of life skills,
including gross motor skills.
You can use this resource to develop construction skills, physical strength and gross co-
ordination, communication and discovery skills.
• Cubes can be used creatively in physical education lessons to strengthen gross
motor skills.
• Physical and creative activities can build gross motor co-ordination skills.
• Learners can create 3-dimensional box sculptures from recycled cuboid boxes.
• Learners use motor skills when building 3-dimensional sculptures.
• Topics in the life orientation area of the life skills curriculum can be explored
through discussion using cubes.
• Cubes can be used to build communication skills.
Make sure that you always have a selection of boxes on hand to use in your lessons
