Using Candy Land to Teach Toddlers

My daughter, a toddler, has been crazy about the Milton-Bradley board game Candy Land since the day I brought it home. For a few weeks, we played this fun fantasy game at least twice a day. I realized quickly that Candy Land helped my daughter to learn several new words, concepts and skills. If you are interested in using Candy Land as an educational game for your toddler, consider using these guidelines.

Use Candy Land to Teach your Toddler Colors

Candy Land is an excellent tool for teaching your toddler to name and recognize colors. When you pick up a game card, identify the color both on the board and on the card. "This card has a yellow square on it, so I'm going to move to this yellow square." Although my toddler knew color words before we bought Candy Land, it helped her to learn the difference between red and orange, which she had struggled with for months.

Teach your Toddler How to Take Turns Using Candy Land

Your child's Candy Land game to introduce the concept of taking turns. Your toddler will learn patience and sharing skills by exchanging turns with you. You can even get your toddler's siblings and friends involved in a game. Over time, this can help your child learn to enjoy group-play and cooperation.

Use Candy Land to Teach your Child New Words

Expand your toddler's vocabulary using the characters and items on the Candy Land board. My daughter learned many terms, including "castle," "licorice," "peppermint," "gumdrop," "woodsman," "swamp," "king," "discard pile," "pawn," "win," "staff," "royal," "turn," and "fairy" from the Candy Land game. Additionally, we have expanded her vocabulary by ritually reading the back-story-- which is included in the box-- before beginning gameplay.

In addition to providing an educational opportunity, Candy Land has accomplished a much more important task-- it has helped to foster a stronger bond between my daughter and myself.