Early Atlas

Tallest Tower Challenge

Children build the tallest tower they can with blocks, rebuilding and trying new strategies after it topples to practice persistence through setbacks.

Ages 36–60 months

Inspired by HighScope Play-based learning persistence problem-solving growth-mindset building

Materials

  • A set of stacking blocks of varied sizes
  • A flat, stable building surface

Steps

  • Pose the challenge: "Let's see how tall a tower you can build."
  • Let children build and notice what makes the tower steady or wobbly.
  • When a tower topples, respond calmly: "It fell, what could you try next time?"
  • Encourage a new strategy, such as a wider base, and invite another attempt.
  • Celebrate the effort and the strategy, not only the finished height.

Variations

  • Challenge children to build a tower as tall as their knee or waist.
  • Use cups or cardboard tubes instead of blocks for a different building problem.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, use large soft blocks that stack easily.
  • For older children, add a rule such as alternating block sizes to raise the challenge.

Accessibility

  • Offer blocks with grippy surfaces for children still refining fine-motor control.
  • Give brief, specific encouragement at the moment of difficulty, not only at the end.

Safety

  • Use lightweight blocks so a falling tower cannot hurt a child.
  • Keep towers below standing head height to avoid pieces falling on faces.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas