No.258
Domino Toppling
Japanese name: ドミノ倒し
Materials
- Wooden dominoes or large blocks that stand up easily
How to play
- Spread the pieces on a large, flat surface. Keep the building area separate from the walkway. Start with just two upright pieces and test the gap needed for one to knock down the next.
- Give each person a few pieces to add to the line in the direction of the fall. Avoid disturbing pieces already placed; discuss difficult sections together.
- Leave a few wider gaps while building so an accidental fall does not bring down the whole line. Close these gaps once the layout is complete.
- Check that everyone’s hands are clear. At the signal, gently push the first piece at one end and watch how far the chain continues.
- Adjust gaps or angles where the chain stopped and try again. Rotate who starts the fall and which section each person builds. Count the pieces and put them away.
Ways to adapt
Preschool: five pieces. Younger primary: a straight line. Older primary: branches and curves.