By Jules Rhee, MEd | Latest update 3/2/2026
CUBES math strategy for word problems – explained for upper elementary teachers. Learn why it works, how to introduce it, and where to find ready-to-use posters and student reference cards for your classroom.
If your students struggle with math word problems, you’re in the right place.
Because word problems aren’t usually hard because of the computation.
They’re hard because students have to do all of this at once:
- read carefully
- figure out what matters (and what doesn’t)
- decide what the question is really asking
- choose an operation
- stay organized through multiple steps
And when that gets overwhelming, kids do what kids do…
⮕ They grab numbers and hope for the best.
That’s why I love the CUBES (or CUBED) strategy. It gives students a consistent, step-by-step routine for approaching story problems without panic.
“We love word problems!” said no child ever
Let’s be honest.
Most students do not love word problems – especially when the problems start turning into the “throw everything at you” style:
- lots of words
- extra information
- multiple steps
- one tiny question buried at the end
Those problems can bring a whole class to a screeching halt.
I’ve watched students freeze, shut down, or speed-run the problem by randomly adding numbers together. Without a plan, word problems can feel like a guessing game.
Why CUBES works
CUBES gives students an organized method for working through story problems.
Instead of guessing, they follow a routine.
Instead of rushing, they slow down.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, they know what to do next.
And once students have a system, their confidence goes up – because the problem feels manageable.
Teach it early (with “controlled” problems)
I introduce CUBES/CUBED early in the school year.
At first, I use what I call controlled word problems – basic story problems that are likely to lead to success.
That early success matters.
It helps students build confidence and motivation before they hit the multi-step ones later in the year.
CUBES vs. CUBED (pick what fits your students)
Teachers can choose either method – both work well. The difference is the last step.
Traditional CUBES
- Circle the numbers
- Underline the question
- Box the keywords
- Eliminate what you don’t need
- Solve and label
And yes – I always add “label,” because you and I both know that’s required.
CUBED (adds drawing for comprehension)
- Circle the numbers
- Underline the question
- Box the keywords
- Eliminate what you don’t need
- Draw a picture
That “D” step can be a game-changer for visual learners – and it connects nicely to Common Core’s emphasis on representing problems with models and drawings.
Make it visible: posters + mini references
One reason CUBES sticks is that it’s easy to keep it in students’ line of sight.
- posters on the wall
- anchor chart on a bulletin board
- mini reference cards in student folders/binders
When students are overwhelmed, they don’t need another explanation.
They need a reminder of the routine.
CUBES / CUBED poster resources
If you want ready-to-use visuals, I have poster sets for both versions.
They include:
- full-size posters for your wall or bulletin board
- mini-posters/cards for student folders (great for home support, too)
- a smaller poster set for small spaces
They also feature a clean, updated look, so they’re easy to read from across the room.
A basic, smaller-sized poster set is also included for smaller class displays.
These posters feature a clean, updated/modern look:
Want to go deeper with CUBES?
If you’d like a full breakdown of how to teach the strategy step-by-step, check out my feature article:
How to Teach Math Word Problems – CUBES Math Strategy
That post walks through how I taught each step and how I supported strugglers in small group.
About the Author
Written by Jules Rhee, MEd., 30-year teaching veteran. Published 11/26/2014; Updated 3/2/2026
Jules is the creator of Caffeine Queen Teacher (CQT) – Visual Math Organizers + Graph Paper Support. She’s a veteran teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience (SPED, upper elementary, and middle school) and a Master’s in Education (MEd). Jules shares practical, classroom-tested ideas and creates step-by-step resources that help students stay organized, confident, and successful – especially with multiplication and long division.
Read more about Jules here: About Page | Browse resources here: TpT Store