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Candyland

Designed by Eleanor Abbott in the 1940's, this game is usually one of a child's first board games. The suggested age range is from 3 to 6 years old. It is for two to four players. There is no reading required, or any skill for that matter, to play or win. It all depends on the luck of the draw. One card may advance you almost to the castle and then the next card could put you almost back to the beginning. This can help teach children to accept setbacks gracefully and not give up trying to reach their original goal.

Family game time and story time can be incorporated into one event with Candyland. "The Legend of The Lost Candy Castle" is printed on the back of the box and can be read out loud for fun. Sometimes my children would want to play just to hear the story! The picture cards were always a favorite too. All my girls wanted to be the one to draw Queen Frostine.

Object of the game: Be the one to reach the castle at the end of the rainbow trail first thereby rescuing the Kandy King.

How to play the game: Move your gingerbread game piece along the trail according to the corresponding color on the card you drew from the deck. Sometimes you will advance, sometimes you will be sent back, and sometimes you may get stuck on a particular color until you draw that color again. If the card you drew has two of the same color on it just move ahead two of whatever color it is. There is a new rule now though. You can draw two cards and then decide which one is best to use.

Why parents love this game:

• All ages can play
• No batteries needed
• Encourages taking and waiting for turns
• Reinforces color recognition for younger children
• It is a great family activity, either for story time or game time
• Encourages children to overcome obstacles when trying to reach a goal
• Children can feel good about themselves when they legitimately beat the grown-ups!
  
  

More about Candyland around the Web:

Candyland - Wikipedia

Candyland - Hasbro