Geometry: Shape Dominos

A good turn-taking game where every child can succeed with help of the teacher. Involves no preparations. Would be good math project for a teacher's aide.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 years can match shapes on dominos Lang. IB
and all children participating will be able to verbally identify a circle, square, diamond, and triangle,
and they will be able to become aware of who’s turn is next and waits for a turn SE IV

 

Materials

Shape Dominos which include 4 shapes—circle, square, triangle, and diamond, to make dominos, use heavy cardboard about 1" x 2" with shapes drawn on each side, make at least 30, i.e., 3 sets of each combination of shapes. (Shape Dominos are also available commercially.)

Procedures

1. Each child draws 4 dominos (give help counting if needed) from the bone pile and keeps them face up in front of him/her. Explain that the group will be making a design by matching the shapes on the dominos and that everyone will take turns. The game will be over when all the dominos are played.

2. Put out one domino from the bone pile. Each child in turn tries to match a shape. Children may match sides or ends. Dominos must match where they touch each other. Point out "double matches" and encourage children to consider both shapes in looking for a match. Children may help each other identify shapes and find matches.

3. Children may draw from the bone pile if they run out or don't have a match.

4. When all the dominos are played, look at the design, count shapes of each kind that is touching, etc.