Snakes & Ladders: Learn, Play & Colour!

Key Stage: EYFS, KS1 (Ages 3-7)
Subject: English as an Additional Language (EAL), Phonics, Early Literacy, Vocabulary
Format: Printable PDF (A3 & A4 size included)
Type: Board Game, Worksheet, Colouring Activity, Vocabulary Builder

Teacher Overview
Tired of the same old flashcards? “Snakes & Ladders: The Ultimate Alphabet Adventure” is not just a game – it’s a multisensory learning toolkit on a single page! This engaging, black-and-white printable transforms the classic game into a powerful educational resource that combines letter recognition, handwriting practice, vocabulary building, and number familiarity into one delightful, play-based session. Perfect for classroom rotations, one-to-one support, or a fun Friday reward activity.

Educational Benefits & Learning Objectives
This resource is designed to help your pupils:

✔ Master Letter Recognition: Every square features a clear, bold letter of the alphabet with a corresponding, child-friendly illustration (A for Apple, B for Ball).
✔ Develop Pre-Writing & Fine Motor Skills: The outlined letters and pictures are perfect for tracing and colouring, building pencil control and hand strength.
✔ Expand Active Vocabulary: Visually connect 26+ key English nouns with their written form and visual representation, aiding long-term memory.
✔ Reinforce Number & Counting Skills: Navigate the board from 1 to 100, practising number sequencing and basic addition with each dice roll.
✔ Promote Social-Emotional Learning: Practice turn-taking, following rules, and being a good sport – all essential classroom skills.
✔ Provide Scaffolded Learning: The activity naturally differentiates – younger children can focus on colouring and letter sounds, while older ones can spell the words or say simple sentences (“I see a cat!”).

Vocabulary Session: Introduce 5-6 new words from the board, then let children reinforce them through play.

Calming Down Activity: The colouring aspect makes it a perfect mindful activity for quieter moments or golden time.

Homework Fun: Send home the A4 version as an engaging homework task that involves the whole family in learning.

Why Teachers Love This Resource
Saves Valuable Planning Time: A ready-made, multi-objective activity.

High Engagement = Better Retention: Children learn best when they are having fun and actively involved.

Incredibly Versatile: Use it for EAL beginners, SEN phonics support, or general KS1 English reinforcement.

Encourages Independence: Clear, visual rules allow children to play with minimal teacher intervention once set up.

Cost-Effective: One purchase provides endless learning opportunities. Just print and go!

Directly supports:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Literacy, Communication & Language, Physical Development (fine motor skills).
KS1 English: Reading – word reading, writing – transcription.
EAL Curriculum: Basic vocabulary acquisition and functional language use.