Big Brother is learning to add, so we took the opportunity to turn a traditional game of dominoes into a fun and educational activity. This domino addition with dot markers activity can also be used to teach the concept of odd and even numbers using two different colors of dot markers.
Here’s what you’ll need: Dominoes, Dot Markers, a regular pen or marker, and a piece of paper.
1. Write numerals 1-12 randomly on your piece of paper. I wrote each number 4 times.
2. Have your child draw a domino and add the two numbers together. Use the dot marker to mark the sum. This is also a great time to discuss odd and even numbers–we used orange for odd numbers and blue for even numbers.
3. Continue playing the game, marking off the sums as you play.
This was a huge hit with Big Brother and an activity I foresee repeating many times.
And please excuse the gross pictures. A cloudy, rainy day = Absolutely no natural light. :)
Lucy Chen says
November 7, 2013 at 2:01 amWhat a fun exercise, Jenae! Because I’m an artist, your dots and colors appeal to me immediately! May I ask how old the kids should be when they can grasp the concept of odd and even numbers? I have two children, one is 3.5 and the other 1.5.
Thanks.
Jenae says
November 7, 2013 at 7:29 amI wouldn’t begin talking about even/odd numbers until your child begins to skip count by 2’s. This is typically, but not always, in kindergarten or first grade (5 or 6 years old).
Katherine Collmer says
November 12, 2013 at 6:34 amJenae, What a great, fun, educational, visual and fine motor activity – all rolled into one! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome ideas! Will do as well!!
Jenae says
November 12, 2013 at 1:02 pmThanks so much, Katherine!
Sol says
July 25, 2014 at 1:24 pmMuchas gracias por la actividad, me parece muy útil para mis alumnos.
Renae says
November 7, 2014 at 3:07 pmI just love this activity! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m featuring it, along with one picture from your post, as part of an addition activity round up!
Jenae says
November 11, 2014 at 11:05 amThanks so much for sharing, Renae! :)