Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders - Up, down, across, left, right, it covers them all

Chutes and Ladders is a popular game with kids that has withstood the test of time. Directional language, counting to 100, a very busy background, there are multiple things to contend with here.

There are several reasons why I am careful about who I use Chutes and Ladders with in therapy. First, the game board is very busy with colorful graphics, numbers, and overlapping images. The boxes can be numbered in any corner, depending on where the graphics are placed. It may be easy for some to get lost and not understand or remember where to go or what to do. In addition, it can be difficult for some to see which box the chutes and/or ladders originate or end on.

Next, to advance up the board to win the game you must move right, up, left, up, right, up, etc. Then there is always the chance you will be going up and/or down several times per game, so frequent directional changes may confuse some. It may also be confusing to some why you keep changing directions, which you would also do on a game with a curved path, but those paths are usually separated by a lot of space so there is not the confusion about when and how to change directions like there may be with this game.

Last, the boxes are numbered, but not all can count to 100 or understand the concept of advancing numbers.

The four pawns are two girls and two boys. You will have to look for a minute to find them all on the board in the image above. Again, it's a busy, busy background.

The spinner is easy to hold and spin and has the raised piece on the back of the arrow, an easier target to hit for some. There are six spaces on the spinner numbered 1-6. The colors on the spinner don't apply to anything. 

Object:

Be the first person to reach the box in the top left hand corner, box number 100.

Set up:

Place the game board on the table and each player chooses a pawn and places it next to the box (off the board) that is numbered 1 (bottom left corner).

Play:
Players take turns. In turn, each player will spin the spinner and advance that many spaces on the board. As you play, if you land on a square at the base of a ladder, you may climb the ladder, advancing from one to six levels in one turn. However, if you land on a square at the top of a slide, you must slide down, losing one to six levels in one turn. Play until someone arrives at square number 100 and wins the game.

This game comes in many themes and I own several versions, including Dora the Explorer and Super Heroes Squad.

Try this:

• Hold the spinner in one hand while spinning with the other, instead of leaving it sit on the tabletop.
• Practice flicking the finger, aiming sometimes for the higher spot on the back of the arrow and sometimes for the flatter part at the front of the arrow. Model for the individual and let him practice. Look for a nice rounded "O" in the web space.
• Examine the board with the child before playing. Show him what to do when encountering a chute or ladder and explain the back and forth advancement on the board.
• Ask the child to scan the board with his eyes, from box 1 to 100. Count aloud or use your finger to trace the advancement.
• Try flicking the spinner with different fingers to thumb.
• Make sure the child sits in one position as he is crossing midline and does not lean to the side as he goes.
• Practice using the chutes and ladders before playing. Give the number of a box at the top of a chute of bottom of a ladder and ask the individual to place his pawn there (or place it for him). Ask him what he should do now. Check to see that he arrives in the correct box after he climbs or slides.
• Ask the individual to scan the board and tell you all the box numbers where the ladders start of the chutes end.
• Work on figure ground, visual scanning, visual discrimination, spatial relations, manual dexterity, counting squares and moving around a game board, coordinated use of both hands, thumb opposition, counting to 100, crossing midline, socialization skills, process skills executive functioning skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
   

In the box: 1 game board, 4 pawns, 1 spinner
Ages 3+, 2-4 players

If you are interested in purchasing this game or just want more information, click on the image below.