Build fluency with operations and problem solving using our Word Problem Dominoes! This versatile resource gives students the opportunity to practise reading and interpreting word problems while developing confidence in applying addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The engaging dominoes format makes learning interactive and fun - perfect for helping students strengthen their understanding of number operations and problem-solving strategies.

The set includes a series of dominoes cards featuring word problems on one side and numerical answers on the other. Students read each word problem, solve it, and then link it to the matching answer to create a dominoes path. This format encourages flexible thinking and reasoning, as students must consider both the context of the problem and the correct operation to apply. With addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division all included, this activity is ideal for revising and consolidating understanding across a range of operations.

Word Problem Dominoes is easy to set up and ideal for small group work, maths rotations, or independent practise. The self-correcting nature of the dominoes path provides students with immediate feedback as they link the correct pairs. The activity supports a wide range of learners and helps develop confidence with multi-step thinking and problem interpretation. It also provides valuable opportunities for collaborative learning, as students can discuss their strategies and reasoning while building the dominoes path together.

This resource also reinforces key mathematical vocabulary and helps students make connections between mathematical language and operations. By regularly working with word problems in a fun and engaging way, students become more comfortable with the process of identifying key information, selecting operations, and solving problems accurately.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop fluency with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of mathematical language in word problems
• ✅ Build confidence and accuracy in applying operations to problem contexts
• ✅ Promote strategic thinking and flexible problem-solving
• ✅ Foster collaboration and positive maths talk through game-based learning

What’s Included:

• Word Problem Dominoes cards covering addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Teacher notes with tips for set-up, classroom use, and differentiation

Materials Needed:

• Printed and cut Word Problem Dominoes cards (laminate for durability)
• Storage bag or container to organise the dominoes set

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations to reinforce understanding of word problems across all four operations
• 💡 Incorporate into small group lessons to support explicit teaching of problem-solving strategies
• 💡 Offer as an independent task for early finishers or as a challenge for more capable learners
• 💡 Pair or group students to encourage collaborative reasoning and discussion while building the dominoes path
• 💡 Use as a revision activity during problem-solving units or before assessment periods

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate the dominoes for repeated use and easy handling
• 💛 Model how to read carefully for key information and choose the correct operation before linking dominoes
• 💛 Encourage students to explain their thinking and strategies aloud as they play to strengthen mathematical language
• 💛 Differentiate by selecting a smaller set of dominoes to match students’ readiness or by focusing on specific operations

Word Problem Dominoes is a fun, flexible, and highly effective resource for building fluency with operations and strengthening problem-solving skills. The interactive dominoes format keeps students engaged while promoting deep thinking and collaborative learning - making it a must-have addition to your maths toolkit!