Try this domino addition track with your Kindergartener!
I know my rising Kindergartener is ready to add because he is beginning to automatically recognize “groups of” numbers. This domino addition track was exactly what he needed.
This means he sees a group of four dots and automatically recognizes it as a group of four.
I know my newly four-year-old is not ready because he is still understanding that the number five actually means FIVE objects. (this is called number sense)
Even when you think your child has this down, I urge you to keep at it.
Number sense and truly understanding quantity is the foundation of all future math concepts.
Do not rush to addition.
I urge you to take the time to touch and counting manipulatives prior to addition. The counting bears, pom poms, and magnetic tiles are great tools for this.
RELATED: Want to organize your day with kids? Our Startup Guide is a fantastic place to start.
Dominoes are perfect for number games for Kindergarten!
Just holding a domino can stimulate learning! You can read why manipulatives are so important to counting HERE.
They are slightly cold, have indented dots to touch and feel as you count, and are typically bright and colorful.
Basically, a domino hits all of your senses in just one round of play and a great tool for any math game for Kindergarteners.
RELATED: Not ready to add? Try our domino maze!
Let’s look at the progression of number sense:
Children will be to count. This practice means they are memorizing a sequence of numbers. Example: DIY Counting Game
Next, children learn one-to-one correspondence. This phrase means they are matching one number, with each item in a set of objects. This is touching as they count. Example: Number Line Count Up
At a higher level, children begin to apply to reason as they understand quantity. What this means is they are beginning to make comparisons such as more than, bigger than, less than, and same as. Example: Block Lines
At a higher level, children also begin to a group of objects without counting. What this means is that a child sees five goldfish and can identify the group as five fish without counting. Example: Domino Track
The big idea?
You have plenty of time to get there. Allow counting and number sense to progress over time.
RELATED: Dominoes are listed as one of our favorite 13+ math toys.
Here is what is most important about number games for Kindergarteners:
Do not rush it. Do not compare.
In our family, each one of my boys learns very differently. They have reached different learning milestones at different times.
The more you touch objects, the more you count aloud, the more you practice, the better off your child will be for future math skills.
Truly understanding groups of numbers is a REALLY big deal, so take your time.
Need more time to count objects?
Try these simple number games:
Ready for your Kindergartener to add?
Remember, our supply lists are kept simple. We like to use the items we may already own and keep a few staples on hand.
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- Dominos – this is a great set!
- Markers
- White paper roll
Setting up a domino addition track for your Kindergartener is simple!
Tape down your white paper roll and draw a large oval on your paper. Begin to place your dominoes all around the oval.
Draw lines to separate each domino and write in the total amount for each section.
Place your dominoes in the center of the oval and invite your child to add each domino for their Breakfast Invitation.
RELATED: Even more activities for ages 5-7 are at your fingertips here!
