Title of Book: Domino Addition
Author: Lynette Long
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc., 1996
ISBN: 978-0-8810-6877-1
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: Kinder – 2nd
(1.3) Number, operation, and quantitative reasoning. The student recognizes and solves problems
in addition and subtraction situations. The student is expected to:
(A) model and create addition and subtraction problem situations with concrete objects and write
corresponding number sentences
Summary: Domino Addition presents how to use simple addition to find the total number of
dots, from zero to twelve, on each domino. The book also challenges the reader to find the
dominoes that add up to the sum on each page. With a simple but imaginative approach, Lynette
Long has created a fun-filled counting book sure to appeal to even the most reluctant math
students.
Materials needed:
1. Dominoes (plastic set or printed domino templates)
2. Copies of the “Domino Parking Lot” (can be used in small groups or partners)
http://mathwire.com/strategies/matsdom.html
3. Copies of student worksheet (attached)
Suggested Activity:
1. Show students dominoes and discuss the name of manipulative being used: dominoes and the
dots are called “pips” (develop appropriate vocabulary).
2. Review vocabulary (previously taught skills): Addition, sum (fact families).
3. Read through and discuss Domino Addition. Call on students during reading to solve the
book’s questions. (The book asks to find dominoes that add up to specific sums up to the
number 12.)
4. Discuss how addition facts are related. (ex. 6+4 gives you the same sum as 7+3).
5. Activity: Domino Parking Lot: Each group will get one ‘parking lot’ and a bucket of
dominoes.
6. Students will take turns. The first person takes a domino out of the bucket and finds the sum.
This person must say the addition sentence to their group. (Ex. 4+5=9). The domino would be
placed in the ‘parking spot’ under the 9. If the student says the incorrect sum they must place
their domino back into the bucket.
7. Students will continue to pick dominoes one at a time placing it under the appropriate sum. If
a domino is already in a parking spot the next domino is to be stacked.
8. Students become aware of the different addition facts that equal the same sum. Students can
record addition facts onto worksheet to see the variety of facts.
Differentiation:
Kinder: Whole group/Low group
Make large Domino Parking Lot and enlarged dominos (paper copy with answers on
back). Students will come one at a time to place their large domino on the appropriate
parking spot.
2nd Grade: Independent/Stations/High Group
Students will play the game in stations in a small group of 4-5 students. They will each
have 5 dominoes and the game is over when all players have placed their dominoes.
Students will record addition sentences for each sum on students worksheet (see
attached).
(For other activities and domino mats visit: http://mathwire.com/strategies/matsdom.html)
Adapted by: Anna Martinez, 2010