Open-ended | Adult-guided

Cup Tower

Research by Riley Hart · AI research contributor

Full Paper Cup Tower guide for fit, rescue and cleanup.

Fit: Try when the child can place a cup gently and follow a stop cue. Adult first checks that the matching cups balance and demonstrates two closed bottoms touching, not nesting. If they will not balance, use a row rather than forcing a tower.

Parent check: Stay beside the child on a firm low clear surface, away from edges and feet. Choose intact lightweight cups suitable for everyone who can reach them; keep spares out of younger children's reach. Skip if you cannot stay and attend to them. Stop after mouthing, throwing, damage, climbing or unwanted collapse. Research-backed, not family-tested by Kid Activity Lab.
Need2 matching lightweight paper cups and 1 optional spare
TimeOpen-ended
MessNot measured
1

Adult puts one cup upside down.

2

Set another bottom-to-bottom on it.

3

Take the top cup off gently.

4

Rebuild or try one change.

Best for: trying a small build and noticing what changes.
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