Turn doubles practise into a fun and interactive game with Ladybug Doubles Dominoes! This simple yet effective activity gives students repeated opportunities to apply the doubles counting strategy in a playful format. Using a familiar game style, students will strengthen their understanding of doubles facts while building fluency and confidence in addition.

To play, students take turns matching dominoes by pairing a doubles fact with its corresponding total. For example, a domino showing "double 4" must be matched with the number 8. This game format encourages students to think flexibly and quickly recall doubles facts, helping to develop automaticity and number sense. The engaging ladybug theme adds a delightful visual element that makes this activity perfect for both individual practise and collaborative group work.

Ladybug Doubles Dominoes is a great resource for consolidating doubles facts during maths rotations, small group instruction, or as an early finisher task. The game encourages mathematical reasoning, promotes positive maths talk, and provides a low-pressure environment for students to build fluency. Whether introducing the doubles strategy or providing extra practise for developing learners, this resource is a fun and flexible addition to your classroom toolkit.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop fluency with doubles facts
• ✅ Strengthen number sense and understanding of number relationships
• ✅ Build confidence and efficiency in applying the doubles counting strategy
• ✅ Promote flexible thinking and quick recall of number facts
• ✅ Foster collaboration, turn-taking, and positive maths talk

What’s Included:

• Ladybug Doubles Dominoes game cards
• Teacher notes with tips for set-up, gameplay, and differentiation

Materials Needed:

• Printed Ladybug Doubles Dominoes cards (preferably laminated for durability)
• Storage container or zip-lock bag for easy organisation

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare the Ladybug Doubles Dominoes cards. Laminate them if desired for repeated use.
2. Shuffle and deal the dominoes equally among the players.
3. Choose a starting domino and place it face up in the centre.
4. Players take turns matching a doubles fact to the correct number or vice versa, placing their domino on the line.
5. If a player cannot make a match, they pass their turn.
6. The game continues until one player has placed all their dominoes or no more matches can be made.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations to provide targeted practise with doubles facts.
• 💡 Incorporate into small group instruction to support learners developing fluency with the doubles strategy.
• 💡 Offer as an independent task or partner activity for early finishers.
• 💡 Run a class doubles dominoes tournament to promote positive maths talk and collaboration.
• 💡 Include in a take-home maths pack to encourage additional practise at home.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate the dominoes cards for durability and long-term use.
• 💛 Model the game with the whole class to ensure students understand how to match facts and totals correctly.
• 💛 Encourage students to verbalise the doubles fact as they play to reinforce learning and develop mathematical language.
• 💛 Provide a doubles facts reference chart or number line for students who may need additional support.

Ladybug Doubles Dominoes is a fun and flexible resource for helping students build fluency and confidence with the doubles counting strategy. Your students will love the familiar game style, and you’ll love the meaningful learning opportunities it provides!