Dominoes and Dice for Math in Preschool & Kindergarten!

In the early days of preschool, we set out Dominoes simply for building and playing.  Our preschoolers make train tracks, buildings, towers, etc., but they are also looking at and taking in DOTS and numbers as they play.  Dominoes, Dice, and Dots are good ways to introduce mathematical concepts for young children!  There are MANY ways to use dice and dominoes –  below are a few suggestions to try with your children.

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DOMINOES

Print the Dominoes .pdf Dominoes and the accompanying transfer page Blank_Domino_Answers for each child.  Dominoes are versatile in that the children can add, subtract, or even multiply the two sides.

To use the transfer page:  

Have the children count the number of dots on each side of the middle line of the domino.  Write those numbers on the transfer page (file download above) in the corresponding area.  The children can add, subtract (or multiply for older children) the numbers and write/stamp the numbers in the box.  For subtraction, have the children write/stamp the larger number from their domino in the first blank area and the smaller number in the second blank area of the domino.  The children can also use bingo dot markers to transfer the corresponding number of dots to the blank domino.

Domino Game:  Domino Trains – decide on a predetermined number, have the children line the dominoes up and count the total number of dots until they reach that number.

 

DICE

Let the children play with traditional dice.  Save the dice from games that have lost pieces and let the children roll and count.  For younger children, let them start with one die and count the dots.  Add more dice as counting skills develop.  Let the children roll 2 dice and transfer the numbers (the children can write/stamp the numbers of the 2 dice or use bingo dot markers to make the corresponding number of dots on each side of the middle domino line) to the blank domino answer sheet above or circle the total number of dots on the How Many Dots .pdf How many dots? Domino Math for Preschool Printable  -see photo above.

Dice Game:  Find the total:  decide on a predetermined number and have the children roll one or two dice until they reach the desired number.

Use  an Acrylic Photo Cubes and print the pdf Photo_Cube_Dice to insert into the openings. The children can roll the cube(s) and count the number of dots that appear on the side facing up.  We have also used the cubes with position words/direction words by leaving ONE side blank and asking the children to count the number of dots that are above, behind, to the right/left, below, or in front of the blank side.  The photo cubes are great as the numbers can be changed.

Read “Ten Black Dots,” by Donald Crews for counting fun with DOTS!

For a FUN art project to do with Dots:  Read “Dots, Dots, Dots At the Museum” by Francie Alexander.  Read the book to the children and discuss the paintings.  On page 2, there is a picture of the “Little Red House” by Jennifer Bartlett.  Set our markers, dot markers, or tempera paints and let the children re-create the Little Red House.  It is fun to see what each of the children come up with!

For MORE everyday math ideas visit: Teach Preschool!

Great Foam Dice to use in Preschool and Kindergarten!