A domino is a tile-like game piece with a value of either six, zero, or blank on each end. It has a line in the middle to divide it into two squares. The value of each side, also known as the pips or dots, is determined by counting the total number of spots. The domino is then oriented so that the two matching ends touch completely. This creates a chain of dominoes, or a domino track, upon which the pieces can fall in any direction.
Dominos can be used for both basic play and more complex games that involve strategy and counting. For example, the classic game of domino is played by two players on opposite sides of a table. Each player takes turns laying down a domino in order to make a row, or set, that will then trigger the other player to lay down an additional domino of the same type. The first player to get rid of all their dominos wins the hand. This game also provides opportunities for students to practice addition equations. For example, a teacher can demonstrate how a domino with four on one end and two on the other is equal to six, using the addition principle that addends may be written in any order.
In addition to blocking and scoring games, dominoes can also be used for solitaire or trick-taking games. Many of these types of games are adaptations of card-playing games, and were popular in certain parts of the world to circumvent religious prohibitions against playing cards.
Another interesting use of domino is to build tracks that can form a picture when the tiles are laid out. This type of domino art can be used in classrooms as a way to teach students about geometry, and it can also help them practice reading maps. Students can make a design on paper, then create the track and lay out the dominoes to match the pattern.
For more advanced students, a series of dominoes can be used to demonstrate commutative property. For example, a teacher can ask a student to choose a domino from a stack or bag, and then the student can call out how many dots are on the domino altogether. Students can then write the addition equation, showing how adding the number of dots on each end of the domino is the same as adding the total number of dots.
For a more fun way to learn about domino, students can take a sheet of paper and color it with a chosen set of domino tile colors. Then the student can pick up a domino and try to place it on top of the paper with the same color. This activity helps children recognise and remember the name of colours in a fun way!