Net of a Cube Folding Tutorial + Free Printable and Bonus Game
When dice are involved, students stop, listen, engage, and learn. So, why not elevate the experience by teaching them how to craft their own dice using the net of a cube printable? As someone experienced in teaching Montessori elementary students, I’ve witnessed the power of hands-on activities like this for captivate young minds.
Here you’ll find a great tutorial video to help you carry out this engaging activity with your students for an enjoyable and educational classroom experience!
What is a Net of a Cube?
When you take the six sides of a cube and lay them out flat, it makes a picture that is only two-dimensional.
This picture is called a net.
A 2D net is a two-dimensional shape that looks like an outlined drawing of a 3D shape. It can be used to help students build a 3D object out of paper or other materials.
Net of a Cube Folding Tutorial
Wait! Before you build a cube, you need to create or print a 2D net!
You can either create your own net by following these instructions:
How to Build a 3D Shape from the Net of a Cube Printable:
The steps to building a cube are pretty simple and even fun!
🖨️ Print or create the 2D net you plan on using to build your cube.
🖍️ Colour the 2D nets before any cutting or folding takes place!
🎥 Watch the video below to learn how to cut and fold the net into a cube.
✂️ Cut the 2D net out along the edges.
🎲 Fold the net and glue or tape the sides.
Follow the video below!
Tune in for the first four minutes as the presenter demonstrates how to build a cube from a net and stick around for the entire video if you want to turn your dice into decor hung around your learning environment. Fun!
Keep on reading to learn about some of the benefits that come from children building dice from 2D nets. And check out the great dice game that we included at the end of this article. Give it a try with your students or kids!
Get Your FREE Net of a Cube Printable Here!
Learning how to create 3D objects from 2D shapes is an important skill for students to master.
To help students practice this skill, we have created a free printable net of a cube that can be used in the classroom or at home. With this printable, students will be able to learn how to construct cubes from nets and gain a better understanding of 3D shapes.
They’ll also have some super cool dice to learn with after the building is complete.
Sign up for our That’s So Montessori Newsletter, and we’ll send you these fabulous printable dice for free!
Benefits of Students Building Dice From the Net of a Cube
Fantastic! Your students can construct cubes from 2D nets. But what makes this skill so remarkable?
Let’s talk about why students benefit from making dice with the net of a cube printable.
📦 It helps students understand the concept of a three-dimensional object. They can see how a cube is made up of six squares, and how those squares are arranged to form a three-dimensional object.
🎲 Building dice is a great way to explore geometry and gain spacial awareness. By turning a net of a cube printable into a 3D masterpiece, students can explore advanced concepts in geometry, such as volume, surface area, and angles, with a deeper understanding.
😊 Constructing dice from 2D nets teaches kids patience. I always find that when my students start with the net of a cube and have to patiently construct the dice, they feel so proud and accomplished afterward!
🖍️ When students create their dice, they have the freedom to colour them as they wish, adding a personalized touch that enhances the satisfaction of using them. This hands-on approach encourages creativity and ownership in their learning journey.
✍🏼 This activity gives students a chance to practice their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination by cutting, folding, and adhering the net into a cube.
🧊 Building 3D shapes with students is always filled with teachable moments, and teachable moments are where the real learning is at.
BONUS: Try This Dice Game With Your Elementary Students
😃 After your students build their own dice from 2D nets, have them play this fun dice game with a partner. They’re going to love it!
Rolling One to Six
🧠 Working On: Number recognition, hand-eye coordination
🙂 Number of Players: 2
📝 Materials: 2 dice, timer (optional)
✅ Objective: Be the first to roll the numbers 1 through 6 consecutively.
Players each roll their dice at the same time and they keep rolling their dice until they have met the objective of the game.
When a player rolls a one, they then begin rolling to try to get a two. When that’s done they move on and roll for a three. Next a four. You get the idea!
Play continues until one player has rolled one through six, consecutively.
⏳⏳ ⏳
Make it more exciting!
Time each player independently as they attempt to roll one through six as quickly as possible. See who has the fastest time.
⏳ ⏳ ⏳
It’s amazing all the learning and fun that can come from building dice from a net of a cube printable!
🎲
Like that dice game? You’ll love what else we have to offer!
✩ 21 Fun Math Games with Dice to Try With Kids 8-12 (+ FREE Printable Dice)
✩ 9 Montessori-Aligned Math Activities for Elementary Students (+ 2 FREE Printables)
✩ 15 Games with Three Dice
✩ 11 Ways to Use Roll a Story
✩ Roll A Story Dice
✩ Just Roll with it
🎲
The Wrap-Up: Net of a Cube Folding Tutorial
Folding a net of a cube is an easy and fun way to make a 3D object. With the help of this blog and its accompanying printable and instructional video, you can easily create a net of a cube with your students in just a few simple steps.
I love doing this activity with my upper elementary students often throughout the year because not only does it provide an educational opportunity for them, but it also allows students to explore their creative side.
So take this as your sign to get the dice rolling! Grab the supplies and give your students a hands-on learning experience they’ll remember as they create their very own custom dice from a 2D net!
