Domino is a small rectangular game piece, usually made of wood or bone, used in a variety of games. Each domino is marked with a unique arrangement of dots on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other, which distinguishes it from similar pieces in other sets. The numbers of the pips determine its value in a particular game.
Dominoes are often used to play games of chance, strategy and skill. They are also a great way to teach kids number recognition and counting. Kids love to line up their dominoes in long rows and then knock them down. Teachers and therapists can use these fun and educational toys to reinforce learning concepts, social skills and motor planning in a variety of ways.
Many different materials have been used to make dominoes over the centuries, including ivory and stone. The individual domino pieces, which are also known as bones, cards, tiles or men, are usually about twice as long as they are wide, making them easy to stack and re-stack after each use. Dominoes are normally shaped so that they can stand on edge without falling over.
Like many other games, domino has a number of rules that must be followed to play it successfully. The most common rule is that a player must empty his or her hand before the opponent, which can be done by playing all of a players remaining dominoes. This is called “going out.” Various scoring games exist, and the most popular include bergen and muggins, which involve laying dominoes end to end and then counting the pips (or spots) on the exposed ends of each piece. The game can also be played with a single domino, which must touch the ends of all other remaining dominoes to score points.
Another popular domino game is draw and pass, in which the players each draw 5 or 7 dominoes from the boneyard. Each player must then place a domino on the table whose values match those of the drawn tiles, or “pass.” The first player to completely play all of his or her dominoes wins the game.
Domino art can be made in a variety of ways, from simple lines and shapes to complex grids and pictures. It can be a creative way to use domino, and children may enjoy creating their own designs and then watching them fall. In a classroom setting, domino art is a great way to teach students about patterning and spatial awareness.
In a real sense, some learning challenges are like dominoes. Just as one nudge can tip over a whole line of dominoes, some learning differences can impact the ability of students to develop the basic skills needed for success. Over time, compensating for those differences can actually prevent a student from learning the skills that will help them succeed.
When a student experiences a setback, it can be very frustrating. The frustration can cause a person to stop trying to learn and to focus on other activities instead, which can have long-term negative consequences. By focusing on other activities, students avoid the development of the key skills that will allow them to achieve their full potential.
