Domino Games for Children

This is the second in a series of posts about simple games for both parents and math teachers.

There are numerous versions of domino games. Go to Wikipedia for a short history and some useful links. Sets of dominoes can be found at toys, stationary, department and dollar stores. In a pinch, you could make your own out of paper and then laminate them for classroom use. Here is a link for printable ones.

1. Here is a simple introduction to dominoes for parents or teachers. This link gives the rules for a basic "draw" game. Needless to say there are numerous variations on the rules of dominoes. If you do not feel like reading, you can watch a video version of the rules for the draw game. If you are a teacher you could show this to your class as a quick way of demonstrating the rules. Click here. The video lasts about four minutes.

2. The NCTM has a set of lesson plans for using dominoes in the classroom on their excellent site entitled Illuninations. Click here for lesson plans using dominoes.