If you’ve ever watched students struggle with math word problems, you’ll know it’s not always the math that confuses them—it’s the words!
Many children get stuck trying to figure out what the problem is really asking. That’s where the CUBES method comes in. It’s a simple, easy-to-remember strategy that breaks word problems into clear steps so students don’t feel lost.
Think of it as giving kids a little “map” to find their way through tricky problems.
What Does CUBES Stand For?
CUBES is an acronym teachers love because it’s short, visual, and fun. Each letter reminds students what to do:
- C → Circle the numbers
- U → Underline the question
- B → Box the keywords
- E → Evaluate and Eliminate
- S → Solve and Check
It’s almost like a secret code students can use to unlock the answer.
Let’s Walk Through the Steps
1. Circle the Numbers
First, students circle all the numbers in the problem so they don’t miss any important detail.
Example: Sarah has 12 apples. She gives 5 to her friend.
👉 Circle 12 and 5.
2. Underline the Question
Next, underline exactly what the problem is asking. This helps students focus.
How many apples does Sarah have left?
👉 Underline this part.
3. Box the Keywords
Students then box important words that hint at the operation: words like altogether, left, share, gives.
👉 Box gives and left.
4. Evaluate and Eliminate
Here’s the thinking step. Students decide which operation is needed and cross out anything unnecessary.
👉 Giving means subtraction → 12 – 5
5. Solve and Check
Finally, solve the problem and check if the answer makes sense.
👉 12 – 5 = 7
Sarah has 7 apples left.
Why Kids (and Teachers) Love It
- It gives structure—students don’t feel overwhelmed.
- It works like a routine, making problem-solving less scary.
- It builds confidence because they always know what to do first.
- It’s quick and can be used on any word problem.
Teacher Tips for Using CUBES
- Put a CUBES poster in your classroom for easy reminders.
- Use colored pencils—red for numbers, blue for the question, green for keywords.
- Practice with one short word problem every day.
- Encourage students to “talk through” their steps—it makes their thinking visible.
The CUBES method is more than just a trick for solving problems—it’s a way to give students clarity, confidence, and a process they can lean on. With just a little practice, even the most reluctant problem-solvers can start saying, “Hey, I can do this!”
