Domino Addition Track for Kindergarten Math

You know the set of dominoes you have in the game closet that haven’t seen the light? Grab them. I’ve got a low-prep Breakfast Invitation for you to set up for your child tomorrow to start the day with play and hot coffee. This domino addition track for kindergarten will improve number sense by practicing number recognition and basic operations. Bonus: it is easy to set up and will be ready in less than 5 minutes. (Winning!)

RELATED: This is a hand-picked list of math activities for preschoolers to build a strong foundation in math. Use this collection of ideas at home or for math centers.

Table of Contents:

1. How I knew my child was ready
2. Why dominoes
3. Supplies
4. Steps for domino addition track
5. How kids build upon number sense
6. Keep in mind

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How I knew my child was ready

I know my rising Kindergartener is ready to add because he is automatically beginning to recognize “groups of” numbers.

Recognizing a group of numbers means he sees a group of four dots and automatically recognizes it as a group of four. (This is called subsidizing.)

If your child does not automatically recognize the number of dots with the correct number symbol, that’s also okay! Encourage your child to use their finger to touch and count as they identify the number for a little extra practice. (This is called one-to-one correspondence.)

We do not rush to add. First, take the time to touch and count manipulatives and practice counting. If your child is not ready to add, start with the Domino Maze Number Match-Up.

Why dominoes

Dominoes are perfect for kindergarten math games. Just holding a domino can stimulate learning. This educational journal explains why manipulatives are so crucial to counting.

Dominoes are slightly cold, have indented dots to touch and feel as you count, and are typically bright and colorful—a winning sensory combination! If your child has trouble touching each dot to count, use snap cubes to help keep track. I have them included in my favorite math toys for kids list.

PRO TIP: As your child becomes stronger with addition, encourage them to say the highest number first, then count on it. For example, six dots plus four dots would sound like “Six, seven, eight, eight, ten.”

Supplies

Remember, our supply lists are kept simple. We like to use the items we may already own and keep a few staples on hand. Domino addition track keeps things simple and can be set up in less than five minutes.

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Steps for domino addition track

1. Tape down a large piece of white paper.
2. Draw a large oval. Add another oval inside the large one.
3. Connect the two and divide up the spaces.
4. Place dominoes throughout the oval.
5. Begin to write the total amount of each domino and move it to the center. (This acts as the recording sheet for each addition problem.)
6. Invite your child to match the domino with the total amount when the dots are added together.
7. Have a child that wants to do more? Encourage them to write the number sentences next to each completed space.

VARIATIONS: If you are a preschool or kindergarten teacher, this activity makes the perfect math center or small group activity. Make a giant board for kids to collaborate on! Other ways to play include using dry-erase markers, having additional centers for kids to explore, and using this domino game as independent work for early finishers.

How kids build upon number sense

1. First, children typically begin to count. This practice means they are memorizing a sequence of numbers. Example: DIY Counting Game
2. Next, children learn one-to-one correspondence. This phrase means they match one number with each item in a set of objects. This practice is touching as they count. Example: Number Line Count Up
3. Next, children begin to apply reason at a higher level as they understand quantity. This reasoning means they make comparisons such as more than, bigger than, less than, and identical amounts. Example: Block Lines
4. Children also begin to recognize a group of objects at a higher level without counting. This ability means 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 one of our favorite 13+ math toys.

Keep in mind

Do not rush learning. Do not compare. In our family, each one of my boys learns very differently. They have reached different learning milestones at other times.

The more you touch objects, the more you count aloud, and the more you practice, the better off your child will be for future math skills.

Truly understanding groups of numbers is a huge deal, so take your time.

Need more time to count objects?

More number games for young learners:

• Monster Googly Eyes
• DIY Rainbow Counting Game
• Hungry Caterpillar Count-Up