Hasbro: My First Games

MILTON BRADLEY MY FIRST GAMES GO BEYOND THE BOARD, TEACHING "FIRST" DEVELOPMENTAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS - Parents and Grandparents Celebrate 60 years of Fun with CHUTES AND LADDERS Game

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA (February 16, 2003) -- There are a lot of "firsts" in the life of a preschooler -- the first play date, the first day of preschool, first friends, and, of course, first games. With MY FIRST GAMES from MILTON BRADLEY, preschoolers learn important "first" skills such as sharing, taking turns, patience, concentration, listening and more.

During his or her preschool years, a child is faced with so much to learn -- from how to read and write to how to interact with others and follow instructions. While parents and teachers often rely on flashcards and workbooks to teach basic skills, board games offer a fun and interactive experience that teaches children how to take turns and cooperate with others along the way. Strong developmental and social skills are important to help a child become a well-rounded, self-confident individual and make for an easier transition to kindergarten for both child and parent.

The social interaction experienced during game play is also instrumental in helping to develop these "first" skills, as well as simply providing a wonderful environment for quality time between the child, parents and grandparents. It is one-on-one time to talk, listen and learn with and about each other.

"Games are a "winning" proposition for all involved," explains Dr. Lillian Carson, grandparenting expert and author of The Essential Grandparent. "Traditions can be started that turn into fond memories. Children learn important developmental skills and build confidence with each move. And above all, it is a fun activity that puts everyone on a level playing field and offers hours of fun."

Classic MY FIRST GAMES such as CANDY LAND, HI-HO CHERRY-O, MEMORY and CHUTES AND LADDERS offer familiar play for both children and adults. Grandparents may even have memories of playing CANDY LAND and CHUTES AND LADDERS with their parents and children, making for a stronger connection.

CHUTES AND LADDERS AT 60

In 2003, CHUTES AND LADDERS climbs closer to the top, reaching a milestone -- its 60th anniversary! The roots of this game date back even farther. Early settlers in America brought a well-known game called Snakes and Ladders with them from Europe. Milton Bradley game developers thought chutes would be more fun than snakes and thus, in 1943, a classic was born.

In this exciting game of ups and downs, the illustrations help kids understand the rewards of doing good deeds as they climb up the ladders -- and the consequences of being naughty as they slide down the chutes! Players move by a spinner, and if they are lucky, they land on a ladder and move quickly up the board. But they may land on a chute, and slide back down spaces.

"It is always exciting to celebrate an anniversary of a game with such a rich history," said John Chandler, senior vice president of marketing, Hasbro Games. "It is a game that is a memorable part of childhood for many. Because it holds a special place in many parents and grandparents' hearts, it is a game they are excited and confident to share with their children."

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