Cube Numbers for Kids: Easy Tips for Parents and Tutors

Have you ever noticed how much kids love building towers with blocks? Well, that simple playtime activity can actually help them learn an important maths concept – cube numbers!

it might sound tricky at first, but they’re actually really easy to understand and fun to teach. By using hands-on activities and simple explanations, parents and tutors can help children grasp this concept while playing and learning at the same time.

This blog explains cube numbers (also known as cubed numbers), provides a helpful cube numbers list, and suggests fun activities to help young learners easily understand them.

What Are Cube Numbers?

A cube number is a number multiplied by itself twice. In simple terms, you take a number, multiply it by itself, and then multiply it by itself again. The symbol for cubed is ³. For example, start with the number 3. Multiply it by itself: 3 × 3 = 9. Then, take that result and multiply it by 3 again: 9 × 3 = 27. So, 27 is a cube number because it comes from multiplying 3 × 3 × 3.

You might also hear the term “cubed numbers.” This comes from the way we visualise cube numbers as 3D shapes. Imagine stacking blocks – the same number along the width, height, and depth — to form a solid cube. That’s where the term “cubed” comes from.

A simple way to show this is by using toy blocks. If you stack two blocks along each side – two across, two high, and two deep, you end up with eight blocks, forming a small cube. This hands-on example helps children see how numbers can “grow” into cubes.

Cube Numbers List – 10 x 10 x 10

The first ten cube numbers include: 8, 27, 64, 125, 216, 343, 512, 729, and 1000. The table below highlights how each cube number relates to its corresponding cube root. So, cube numbers 1 to 100 are : 1, 8, 27, 64.

Quick Activity Idea:

Encourage children to play a “Find the Cube” game. Call out numbers between one and one hundred and ask them to guess if the number is a cube number. You can even turn it into a points-based game where they earn stars for each correct answer!

When Do Children Learn About Cube Numbers?

Children are usually introduced to cube numbers during Key Stage 2 in the UK curriculum, often around Year 5 or Year 6. At this stage, they begin to explore more complex multiplication and powers, including square numbers and eventually cube numbers.

Understanding cube numbers helps strengthen their multiplication skills and prepares them for more advanced topics in Key Stage 3, like exponents and algebra. Teachers often introduce the concept using hands-on activities, such as building cubes with blocks, to make learning more interactive and engaging.

For younger children in early years or Key Stage 1, parents and tutors can introduce the idea in a playful way, like stacking blocks – without focusing too much on the maths terminology. This builds familiarity and makes the formal concept much more easier.

Why Teach Cube Numbers in Early Years?

Introducing cube numbers during the early years isn’t just about maths – it’s about developing important thinking skills that children will use for years to come.

Cognitive Development

Learning about cube numbers helps improve problem-solving and spatial awareness. When children visualise how blocks stack to form a cube, they’re not just counting – they’re understanding patterns, shapes, and space. This hands-on learning strengthens their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.

Building a Strong Maths Foundation

Like we already mentioned, introducing cube numbers early prepares children for more complex maths concepts later on. It lays the groundwork for topics like exponents, volume calculations, and even algebra. When children already understand cube numbers, they’ll find it easier to grasp these advanced ideas in Key Stage 2 and beyond.

Parental Insight

The best part? Teaching cube numbers doesn’t need to be formal or complicated. Parents can turn everyday play into a learning experience. Stacking blocks, arranging toys in cubes, or even baking and measuring can all help introduce the idea of cube numbers in a fun, stress-free way.

Fun Activities to Teach Cube Numbers

if you want to make learning cube numbers enjoyable, you can use various activities and games. These simple ideas help children visualise and understand cube numbers while having a great time.

Hands-On Learning

Build 3D Cubes: Use LEGO, building blocks, or even sugar cubes to create 3D cubes. Start by building small cubes like 2 × 2 × 2 and work up to bigger ones. This helps children see how cube numbers grow in size.
Count as You Build: Encourage kids to count the blocks as they stack them. For example, while building a 3 × 3 × 3 cube, have them count to 27 as they place each block. This reinforces the connection between the shape and the number.

Cube Numbers : Games

Cube Stacking Challenge: Turn building into a race! See who can build a perfect cube the fastest. It’s a fun way to improve spatial skills and reinforce the concept.
“Guess the Cube Number” Quiz: Call out numbers and ask children to guess if they’re cube numbers. For example, ask “Is sixty-four a cube number?” and let them figure it out. You can also switch it around by giving them a cube number and asking them to find its cube root.

Tip for Tutors:

In the classroom, try simple games that combine fun with learning. For instance, create a “Cube Number Hunt” where students search for objects in the classroom shaped like cubes or made up of smaller cubes. This makes maths interactive and encourages problem-solving.

Cube Numbers Question Types

To help children fully understand, it’s important to mix up the types of questions they practise. Here are a few fun and educational question styles that parents and tutors can use:

1. Identify the Cube Number

“Which of these is a cube number: 27, 45, or 50?”
Answer: 27 (since 3 × 3 × 3 = 27)

“Is 64 a cube number?”
Answer: Yes! (4 × 4 × 4 = 64)

2. Find the Cube Root

“What number cubed gives you 125?”
Answer: 5 (5 × 5 × 5 = 125)

“Which number do you multiply by itself three times to get 8?”
Answer: 2 (2 × 2 × 2 = 8)

3. “True or False” Challenges

“True or False: 1000 is a cube number.”
Answer: True (10 × 10 × 10 = 1000)

“True or False: 5 cubed equals 150.”
Answer: False (5 cubed is 125)

4. Fill in the Blanks

“__ cubed equals 343.”
Answer: 7 (7 × 7 × 7 = 343)

“7 × 7 × __ = 343.”
Answer: 7

Resources for Parents and Tutors

Helping children understand cube numbers becomes much easier with the right tools. Here are some fun and educational resources that parents and tutors can use to make learning interactive and exciting.

Worksheets

Printable worksheets are a great way to reinforce learning.

Cubes of Numbers from 1 to 20: This worksheet provides a list from 1 to 20, along with exercises to reinforce learning.
Cube Numbers PDF by Corbettmaths: A comprehensive worksheet that includes problems and explanations.

Interactive Games and Apps

Fruit Splat Squares and Cubes: An engaging online game where children can practise identifying square and cube numbers in a fun, arcade-style setting.
Count the Cubes: This game challenges children to count the number of cubes in various configurations, enhancing their spatial awareness and understanding.

Conclusion

Cube numbers might seem like a big concept, but with the right approach, they can be simple and fun for young learners. By using hands-on activities, games, and real-life examples, parents and tutors can make learning about cube numbers an enjoyable experience.

If you’re seaching for online early years maths tutor to help your child develop a strong maths skills, Edumentors has experienced tutors who make learning fun and engaging. Our tutors use playful strategies tailored to your child’s needs, making complex concepts easy to understand.