Domino is a set of gaming pieces that can be stacked on end in long lines. Then, by simply tipping the first domino slightly, they all fall in a satisfying cascade of rhythmic motion. Stacking dominoes in this fashion allows for the creation of very complex designs. And the fact that one movement can impact an entire line of dominoes, even many more beyond it, gave rise to the phrase “domino effect,” meaning any action that causes a chain reaction.
Lily Hevesh started collecting dominoes when she was 9. Soon, she was posting videos of her amazing domino constructions on YouTube. Now, at 20, Hevesh is a professional domino artist who creates spectacular setups for events and movie premieres. She’s also the queen of the internet, with more than 2 million subscribers on her YouTube channel.
Hevesh’s work has a calming quality that she believes comes from the process of building the domino chains. She explains, “When you’re doing something like this, there’s a certain serenity about it. You have to focus on the present and enjoy the process.” She describes each domino as a little world, with all its unique intricacies. And as a creative process, she sees it as a lot like writing.
When referring to student learning, the term “domino effect” is often used to describe the way in which one mistake can lead to failure. The idea is that students who compensate for a weakness in a skill often get stuck at that level of performance rather than working to improve it. Over time, this can have a cumulative negative impact on the student’s progress, as they avoid the more difficult skills that will ultimately help them master the subject.
The name Domino has been associated with the idea of power and authority, due to its Latin roots and its usage as a last name. It’s been the name of businesses, brands, and products, giving them a sense of legitimacy and expertise. But in terms of learning, the word is more about progress than results, and the key to success is building positive habits over time. Start small with the basics, and watch your progress build and grow, just like those beautiful lines of falling dominoes. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. —Kathryn Tolliver, Education Specialist
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