Snakes And Ladders At a Glance
| Game Type Roll Dice & First To Finish | Play Time 10 - 30 mins | Skill Easy - No skill Counting |
| Age 3+ | Players 2 + | Published See Article |
| Publisher(s) Hasbro M.Y and many others | Our Rating 9/10 | Cost $3 + |
| Categories Kids Classics / Family | Child Hazards Small parts |
Snakes And Ladders is a classic board game of the roll the die (or spin the wheel), make a move and get to the finish as quick as possible type of game.
About – Description
Named Snakes and Ladders in the UK and Europe, and in the US it’s known as Chutes and Ladders.
This board game classic has roots that go way back to Ancient India (2 AD), and then it made its way to England to be sold as Snakes as Ladders and played in family homes during the latter part of the 19th century (see-history).
It was first published in the United States in 1943 by Milton Bradley with a change in design and named Chutes and Ladders. Rather than have children stepping and sliding on snakes and climbing ladders the concept and idea of chutes for sliding worked well (especially when considering many kids are not great fans of snakes).
The history of this game tells us that the other purpose of this game was for teaching some moral standards of good deeds versus bad and karma. The Chutes and Ladders version also follows this concept of good and bad deeds.
Who’s it best suited for?
Chutes and Ladders is well suited for kids from aged 3, and up to around age 8.
It’s especially good for impatient children in my experience. In terms of encouraging them to learn patience (good luck) as they’re normally in a rush to get to the 100th spot at the top.
You may see some tantrums and grumpy kids, especially if brothers and sisters are competing and one of them slides back down the board.
Educational Aspects
One educational aspect of this game is simple counting which is great for very young kids, Preschoolers.
Children that are aged 2 and supervised, may also benefit from playing which will help them with basic counting skills.
Another aspect I have only recently gave thought to and which could be more important than the counting is kids learning to deal with the ups and downs without major emotional upheavals (hopefully).
It will serve you if you’re able to observe the kids playing and encourage them to enjoy the going up the ladders and back down (chute) part of the game, as many aspects of normal life represent this and our reaction to it is very important.
Encouraging them to try again if they do get knocked back is a valuable skill to teach them, rather than give up on trying. Do have fun though and maybe expect a possible tantrum!
Did You Know?
The phrase ‘Back to Square One’ commonly used when we have to go back to the beginning of something originated from Snakes and Ladders or possibly hopscotch.
Skill – Complexity
There is no skill involved in Snakes and Ladders. It’s just the luck of the die thrown and nothing else to it.
Basic counting skills as mentioned is required which is perfect for preschoolers.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
It’s a simple set up with a board of 100 squares that are numbered. If you have a Chutes game version you’ll have a spinner and if it’s Snakes and Ladders you’ll have a die, and these will decide how many steps the next player takes up the board from 1 – 100.
If you land on a ladder you are moving up the board fast, and if you land on a snake/chute you’re on your way back down again.
You can give a prize for the winner and maybe something for the runner up if you wish.
Most games last approximately 10 – 20 mins.
Versions – Editions
I have already mentioned why there is a Chutes and Ladders, and Snakes and Ladders board game. One is the US and the other UK.
There are very cheap versions, themed/pop culture (i.e., Spiderman, Disney and others) and posh deluxe and wooden variants.
Stuck for cash then you can always create your own. Just remember you need a die or spinning top.
Final Thoughts
You can’t beat getting a simple kids classic like Chutes and Ladders for Preschool kids.
It’s simple and helps teach the basics of counting and maybe the art of emotional balance when having to go from nearly winning to right back down to beginning of the board again.
