Fun with Dominoes! (0-2)

When children immediately recognize the number of objects in a small group without having to count them individually, it is known as subitizing. To do this, children visualize the image in their mind and can recreate it. Subitizing helps move children beyond the need to count with 1:1 correspondence, and towards seeing the ways in which numbers can be combined or decomposed. This helps them to develop and understand patterns, which is an important and complex skill.

Dominoes can support development of this skill however, children this age should only be given bigger sized dominoes or they should not be given dominoes until they are older. This along with constant supervision will reduce the hazard of dominoes for young children. When we give children dominoes we need to understand that at this age (0-2yo), children cannot play structured domino games. Children should just be given the opportunity to play with the dominoes freely. Experiencing dominoes can also help expand their understanding of other things like number order and colors if the dominoes and their dots are colored.