The traditional game of dominoes is not only a fun activity for kids, but also a great way to develop math skills. However, in addition to the classic game, there are many other fun ways to use dominoes. It is one of the most exciting games that can be played with both adults and children. In the latter case, dominoes can be used to learn numbers or to solve arithmetic tasks.

1. Dominoes as a math tool

Dominoes are great for teaching number recognition, matching, counting and more. We've used dominoes to help children better understand numbers and perform simple arithmetic operations.

What you'll need.

Using dominoes in maths a great way to develop number comprehension and math skills. You can use dominoes, a couple of sheets of paper, and a marker, and to all this add a bit of good mood. 

Recommended products:

• Dominoes Double 6 Extra Large
  
• Dominoes Double 15 with Numbers 

2. Interesting ways to play dominoes

We have prepared 3 ways of playing dominoes that can be used to teach counting. Let's get started!

Step 1: Tape a large piece of white paper to the table.

Step 2: Choose about ten dominoes to start with.

Step 3: Start playing!

2.1 Domino addition

Pretty simple. We just add the numbers on each half of the dominoes: 5 plus 2 equals 7 and so on. To make the task more difficult, we can introduce an additional task.

1. Take a domino.

2. Add the numbers on both halves.

3. Get the result.

You can come up with more challenging tasks if the child has done well with the previous tasks. For example:

Task 1. Simple addition

Find the sum of all the numbers in the dominoes, for example [6, 3] and [2, 5], [4, 4] and [3, 2], or [1, 6] and [5, 0].

Task 2. Find the missing value

• What number is needed to equal 12 for the sum of dominoes [3, ?] and [4, 2]?

• What is the value of the second half of the domino [2, ?] if the sum of the two tiles [2, ?] and [3, 1] is 9?

• What is the number of dominoes [5, ?] if the sum of two pieces [5, ?] and [2, 4] is 15?

Task 3: Comparing sums

• Compare the sums of two dominoes [6, 2] and [4, 1] with [5, 3] and [2, 2]. Where is the sum greater?

• Which dominoes have the greater sum: [5, 0] and [4, 3] or [6, 1] and [2, 2]?

• Which sum is less than: [3, 3] and [4, 1] or [5, 2] and [1, 1]?

Task 4: Find pairs with the same sum

• Find the dominoes that have the same sum: [6, 1], [3, 4], [2, 5]

• Which pairs of dominoes have the same sum? For example, [1, 1], [2, 3], [4, 0], [3, 2]?

• Compare the sums of the dice in the dominoes and find the pairs with the same sum: [5, 3], [6, 2], [4, 4], [1, 7].

Task 5. Building a row

• Build a row of dominoes so that the total sum of each subsequent domino is ten. For example: [3, 7], [5, 5], [4, 6], [2, 8].

• Construct a chain of dominoes in which each subsequent domino has a sum of 12 numbers. Random values: [6, 6], [5, 7], [8, 4], [9, 3].

• Create a row of dominoes so that the total sum at the end of each successive domino is 8. For example: [4, 4], [3, 5], [6, 2], [7,1].

With these tasks, you will teach your child to add and think logically. And, of course, don't forget about the entertainment component.

2.2 Number Puzzle

The principle of the game is also very simple. Draw a maze on a piece of paper with cells containing numbers from 1 to 12 in any order. The task is to find the numbers that correspond to the path. That is, the child has to find dominoes with the number of dots that corresponds to the number on the cell and place them on the cells. And if you turn the dominoes upside down so that you can't see the dots on them, it will add additional complexity. Use all 28 dominoes with dots from 0 to 6. 

For extra challenge, play by the real rules of dominoes. This means that a domino can only be placed next to another domino if the number of dots on their dominoes matches.

2.3 Race track

Dominoes is a kind of number recognition game. It is a great way to familiarize your child with numbers. Playing this type of game will help them match the number symbol with its correct value - in this case, the number of dots on the correct side of the dominoes. Developing number sense seems a little boring when you think about it as an adult, but the Race track game is a great way to make it interesting for your preschooler.

To get started, you'll need to draw a large oval on a piece of paper. Then divide it into different sections, with each section having a number written in it that can be obtained from dominoes. Next, place a domino in the center of the oval and ask your child to count the dots on the domino and find the corresponding numbers on the sections.

If you want to have a challenge, encourage your child to play for time. How long will it take to fill the oval? Two minutes? One minute? Three minutes? Here we go!

Being able to automatically group familiar numbers helps them avoid problems with counting and even addition later on. However, it is best for preschoolers to take their time and just help them familiarize themselves with numbers.

3. Other options

In addition, you can use cards with numbers or add plasticine to the game so that children can roll small balls out of it and place them on the dots. 

You may also teach your kids classic dominoes game rules such as Mexican Train or Chicken Foot.

3.1 Teaching number recognition with blank cards

Teaching number recognition using dominoes with a set of blank cards and a small cloth bag is another fun option that can help teach counting just as effectively. You will need the cards to write numbers on them. Get a set of 10-20 cards and write a number on each one with a marker. This one is great for comparing numbers, making number rows, and counting in songs and stories.

We start with dominoes placed in a cloth baggie. This adds an element of surprise and makes the process more fun.

Place several dominoes in the baggie and lay out the number cards. It is best to plan ahead of time which dominoes you will put in the baggie. For example, if you are working with numbers from 1 to 12, first remove the domino tiles with a total number of dots greater than 10. It's also fun to choose dominoes to label each number card and then work on creating a number line.

Invite your child to dip his or her hand into the baggie and choose a domino. Then carefully count the number of dots on the dominoes.

Afterward, invite your child to find the card that matches the domino selected. When you have carefully selected the dominoes, you can begin to create a number line. Keep going until all dominoes and cards are paired.

3.2 Dominoes for solving arithmetic tasks

For more prepared preschoolers and younger students, dominoes can be used in a similar way to solve simple addition or subtraction problems.

There are two basic ways to play the game:

One is to start the same way as the previous option, with dominoes in a bag, then pull out one chip and solve a random problem.

Another way is to work with a single set of issues. For example, you could pull out all the dominoes with the number 4 and solve examples for adding numbers with that number. The dots on the dominoes can serve as a great visual aid for each issue.

3.3 Matching numbers with dots

The tokens we used for matching dots can be balls or plasticine, from which the child can roll small balls and place them over the dots.

We did not traditionally play dominoes by the rules, but the children had the right idea of how to match identical numbers. Talk and predict which dominoes have the most dots or the fewest dots on them.

Place different tokens on the domino dots and count aloud. Adding different types of tokens makes the activity very fun and motivating.

4. Benefits of learning with dominoes

Dominoes develops a variety of skills:

1. Numerical thinking, as number recognition, measurement, counting, addition, division and patterns.

2. Sensorics - mastery of tools.

3. Fine motor skills - strengthening small muscles through manipulation of tools.

4. Hand and eye coordination - observing, doing and coordinating these activities.

5. Speech development - talking about what they are doing, sharing ideas, socializing and vocabulary for counting.

6. Self-esteem - a sense of pride and achievement.

So it's not just a fun game, but a really useful thing for children. And another good way to spend quality time with your child.