Domino Math: Adding and Subtracting with Dots!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:59 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn to add and subtract using dominoes in this fun, hands-on math lesson for 1st graders!

Video Resource

Addition and Subtraction with Dominoes - Math for Kids!

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 3:59
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Dominoes as visual aids
  • Representing numbers with dots

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to add the dots on each side of a domino.
  • Students will be able to use dominoes to represent addition and subtraction problems.
  • Students will be able to solve simple addition and subtraction equations using dominoes.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about dominoes. Have they played with them before? Explain that dominoes can be used for more than just games; they can help us learn math! Introduce the idea that each side of a domino represents a number.
  • Watching the Video (7 mins)
    Play the "Addition and Subtraction with Dominoes - Math for Kids!" video from Miacademy Learning Channel. Encourage students to pay attention to how the dominoes are used to represent addition and subtraction.
  • Domino Addition (10 mins)
    Give each student a set of dominoes (or have them work in pairs). Have them pick a domino and count the dots on each side. Then, have them add the two numbers together to find the total. Write the addition equation on the board (e.g., 3 + 4 = 7) and have students write the equation for their dominoes in their notebooks.
  • Domino Subtraction (10 mins)
    Explain that we can also use dominoes to subtract. Choose a domino and identify the larger number. Then, subtract the smaller number from the larger number. Write the subtraction equation on the board (e.g., 5 - 2 = 3). Have students try this with their own dominoes, focusing on subtracting the smaller number of dots from the larger number of dots.
  • Practice Problems (8 mins)
    Write a few addition and subtraction problems on the board (e.g., 2 + 5 = ?, 8 - 3 = ?). Have students use their dominoes to solve the problems. They can find a domino that matches the numbers in the problem or use multiple dominoes if needed.

Interactive Exercises

  • Domino Matching Game
    Create pairs of dominoes where the totals of the dots are the same. Have students match the dominoes with the same sum.
  • Missing Domino Game
    Show students an equation (e.g., 4 + ? = 7). Have them find the domino that will complete the equation. This reinforces the concept of finding the missing addend.

Discussion Questions

  • How can dominoes help us with addition?
  • How can dominoes help us with subtraction?
  • Can you think of other ways we can use dominoes in math?

Skills Developed

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Problem-solving
  • Visual representation of numbers

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is 3 dots plus 2 dots?

Correct Answer: 5 dots

Question 2:

If one side of a domino has 5 dots and the other has 1 dot, how many dots are there in all?

Correct Answer: 6 dots

Question 3:

What is 6 dots take away 2 dots?

Correct Answer: 4 dots

Question 4:

You have a domino with 4 dots. You want to make it 6 dots. How many more dots do you need?

Correct Answer: 3 dots

Question 5:

Which domino shows 1 + 1?

Correct Answer: Domino with 1 dot on each side

Question 6:

You have a domino with 5 dots on one side and 3 dots on the other. How many dots in all?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 7:

If you have 4 dots and take away 1 dot, how many dots are left?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 8:

A domino has 2 dots on one side. How many dots do you need on the other side to make a total of 5 dots?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 9:

Which equation matches a domino with 3 dots and 3 dots?

Correct Answer: 3 + 3 = 6

Question 10:

Which means to take away?

Correct Answer: Subtract

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Adding means to put numbers ___________.

Correct Answer: together

Question 2:

Subtracting means to ___________ numbers.

Correct Answer: take away

Question 3:

A domino has two ___________ with dots.

Correct Answer: sides

Question 4:

If you add 2 and 2, the answer is ___________.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 5:

If you have 5 dots and take away 3, you have ___________ dots left.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

A domino has ______ parts with dots.

Correct Answer: two

Question 7:

When we add, the number gets ______.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 8:

When we subtract, the number gets ______.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 9:

If a domino has 3 dots on one side and a blank on the other, the total is ______.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 10:

Taking away is called ______.

Correct Answer: subtraction

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13). CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.8:Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 + ? = 11, 5 = _ - 3, 6 + 6 = _.

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