History Dominoes
Concept
Using the same concept of playing dominoes, where tiles
are paired, students use prior knowledge to make connections with content that has been taught.
History dominoes can be assembled in many different ways to create a variety of boards. Students
should be able to explain the connections between the pair that is matched. Depending on the
students ability level and the teacher created domino this activity range from simple to complex.
Skills
Draw conclusions and make generalizations
Develop perspectives of time and place
Interpret ideas and events from different historical perspectives
Time Frame
One 45 – 60 minute class period for students to works in pairs or groups to create a connected
“History Domino” board and share.
Activity: Step by Step
After introducing and teaching the content, have students focus on the connections between the
events, people, and outcomes.
Divide the class into pairs or groups of 4. Provide student groups with a starting domino. Have
student use the remaining dominoes to pair either end of the domino to make connections. Each
time the student decides on a match they must explain the connection between the two. Students
play alternately until all the pieces have been played. Spend time moving around the room during
this time to see how the groups are progressing.
After students have generated their domino boards, have the groups share their connections. This is
a great time to use an interactive whiteboard.
Extension
 This activity lends itself to differentiated instruction. There is no right or wrong domino boards
providing the student can explain the connections. For your low – middle students focus on
events and people. For high – gifted extend the focus to include themes or broad
connections. Students could create boards that connect across time.
 Have students create their own domino board for homework that explains the connections
across the unit/time period studied. They could also use images instead of text.
 When using the interactive whiteboard as a whole group, you may give students the option of
moving the last domino played to show a different connection that they feel is better suited to
that spot on the board.
Notes
Have students select the starting domino
After you create the dominoes, take time to make sure they all connect in some way.
Sometimes students may get frustrated when they cannot find
a connection. For this reason, on a few dominoes that you create leave a
blank end. You may call that the “universal” domino and they can make it
any connection they choose to keep the game in play mode.
Common Core Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6 – 12:*
Key Idea and Details
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source.
Craft and Structure
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Integrate visual information with other information in print and digital texts.
Range of reading and Level of text Complexity
Read and comprehend complex literacy and informational texts independently and proficiently.
*http://www.corestandards.org/assets/CCSSI_ELA%20Standards.pdf