The What’s Your Favourite? Snakes and Ladders Game is a free, printable PDF resource designed to make it fun and easy for children to share their likes, interests, and favourite things. Based on the classic board game, this activity helps kids open up while playing, making it a valuable tool for social workers, foster carers, teachers, parents, and therapists.
Children play just like a traditional game of Snakes and Ladders—rolling the dice, moving their counters, climbing ladders, and sliding down snakes. The difference is that when they land on a question square, they answer a fun prompt such as: “What’s your favourite colour?” “What’s your favourite food?” “What’s your favourite birthday memory?”
Why this game is helpful:
Encourages conversation and trust-building between children and adults
Helps professionals and carers get to know children’s likes, interests, and experiences
Supports direct work in social work by giving children an easy way to express themselves
Makes sharing safe, fun, and non-threatening for children who may find talking difficult
Perfect for use in:
Social work and safeguarding visits – to capture the voice of the child in a gentle way
Fostering and adoption – to build connection and learn about children’s preferences
Classrooms and PSHE lessons – as an icebreaker or emotional literacy activity
Therapy and counselling – to ease children into conversation and self-expression
At home – for families to enjoy together while supporting communication
This game is especially useful for children who are shy, anxious, or reluctant to talk, as the playful format makes it easier to share personal details without pressure.
This is a fun, interactive conversation starter that helps children share their favourite things while playing. Perfect for social workers, carers, teachers, and therapists supporting children’s wellbeing.
