The introduction of the National Association of Domino Bodies’ (NADB) “Enhancement through Therapy” programme has brought a breath of fresh air to Charlie Smith High School’s curriculum.

Principal Christopher Wright hails the move as a “significant step forward” in enhancing student learning.

The programme’s focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving is expected to benefit students in multiple ways and Wright noted that dominoes has a direct link to mathematics, teaching concepts like sets and probability in a fun and interactive way.

“It [dominoes] enhances long-term and short-term memory, analytical thinking, and critical thinking skills. But what’s more, it has a direct link to mathematics, teaching concepts like sets and probability in a fun and interactive way,” Wright said.

“So, for instance, you have seven sets of one, seven sets of two, and so on, and so if you know that five of a certain card is out there, then two must be somewhere else. If I have one, then the other person must have the other one,” he further explained.

The principal is confident that the programme will have a positive impact on the students’ academic performance and personal growth.

“The programme is a fabulous thing, from an educational perspective, especially with the kind of children we have here,” he said.

“I think this will do wonders in helping them to stimulate their thinking and how to analyse and how to sit and work things out instead of saying that they can’t manage. With this domino programme, you can’t fail,” Wright added.

Humbert Davis, president of NADB, said that his association is on a mission to harness the power of dominoes to transform lives and communities. According to Davis, the game is more than just a pastime — it’s a tool for building confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence.

“To invest in our human infrastructure, we must start in childhood and continue through life, and these exercises are also expected to build confidence and self-esteem in the young ones,” Davis said.

Davis believes that dominoes has the ability to bring people together, bridge gaps and foster connections.

“Every human being has a part to play, and so the play supersedes everything. More connections mean greater value, steady growth through partnership and communication,” the domino boss said.

The NADB president emphasised that the value of dominoes lies in its ability to promote intelligence, understanding, and the passing on of knowledge.

“Value in this case speaks to intelligence, understanding and passing on what has been learnt in an effort help youngsters understand and appreciate their worth, and in so doing respect themselves and those around them,” he said.

Christopher Wright (left), principal of Charlie Smith High School, participates in a game of dominoes at the school recently.