Coding Snakes and Ladders [FREE Coding Game!]
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Today we’re sharing our favourite coding game which is a twist on the classic Snakes and Ladders board game. Coding Snakes and Ladders is a simple coding game that kids as young as 4 can enjoy. This coding board game teaches kids about some of the basics concepts of coding in a fun and simple game!
In this game you’ll learn all about algorithms, which are instructions needed to complete a task. Coding snakes and ladders is easy to set up and play. All you need are the printable game boards, dice and a few game pieces. Your kids will be having fun AND learning about coding in no time!
Coding Concepts Taught:
Algorithms: In coding, an algorithm refers to instructions given to a computer to complete a task. In this game we’ll use snake and ladder algorithms to direct our game pieces up a ladder or down a snake. Players will need to follow the arrows in the algorithm to complete their snake or ladder.
Debugging: In coding, debugging refers to fixing mistakes in the instructions given to a computer. When a program doesn’t work as expected the computer programmer needs to debug it! If a player misses an arrow in the snake or ladder algorithm we’ll call that a bug. Players will benefit from using coding vocabulary while playing this game.
Materials You’ll Need
- Game board + Algorithm Boards (Grab FREE below!)
- Dice
- Game Pieces/Counters
Coding Game Players:
- 2-6 players
- Age 4+
How to Play Coding Snakes and Ladders
- Every player rolls the dice once to start. The person with the highest number goes first.
- The first player rolls the dice and moves their player along the game board.
- If a player lands on a ladder or a snake icon they will refer to the snake or ladder algorithm board to determine where their game piece will land.
- The player will roll the dice again and choose the appropriate algorithm based on their roll.
- The player needs to follow the algorithm written on the card by moving their game piece along the board in the same direction as the arrows.
- If the game piece has a final landing spot on another snake or ladder ignore this and move on to the next players turn.
- The winner is the player who reaches the checkered finish flag first
FREE Coding Snakes and Ladders Printable
Ready to play? Grab the Coding Snakes and Ladders Printable here:
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Kate is mom of two rambunctious boys and a self-proclaimed super nerd. With a background in neuroscience, she is passionate about sharing her love of all things STEM with her kids. She loves to find creative ways to teach kids computer science and geek out about coding and math. She has authored several books on coding for kids which can be found at Hachette UK.
