There are so many free online versions of favorite therapy games, except Candy Land. Ugh! It's my favorite! Many have been using my free printable for the hard copy of Candy Land for years. (You can download it here.) But, there was a need to play this classic via telehealth. I created a modified version to play via Zoom or your preferred telehealth platform.
Feelings Candy World is a Google Slides document that is compatible with most devices. It will have you save a copy the first time you open it. You can save it to your Google Drive, or just open the link each time you play.
Feelings Candy Land is a powerful game because of all the ways it helps children process emotions. First of all, it uses I statements, allowing them the skills to communicate assertively. Instead of blaming others for their feelings, they will be able to own their own emotional state and communicate the situation that triggered the feeling.
Secondly, it helps build an emotional vocabulary. Kids will often feel strongly about something but lack the words to communicate to others how they feel. This game will help them become more comfortable and proficient at communicating emotions. Each color represents a different emotion: anger, anxiety/fear, sadness, love, happiness, and loneliness. The pink spaces prompt talking about a special day.
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The third reason I love this game is that it allows kids to unload their emotional tanks. Consider your emotional capacity like a balloon. You can fill and fill with no problem, but at some point, you will burst. Communicating verbally allows your heart and brain to connect on the emotional issues going on to help release pent-up emotions. Once you understand them, you are able to let the situation go or resolve it.
The fourth reason I love this game is that it includes play. It is fun and natural for children. They are in their element playing games. Kids are often focused on the finish line and do not recognize how much work they accomplish along the way. However, the proof is in the outcomes. I have seen kids grow in amazing ways as a result of this game as well as the others we play in therapy.
As children share, it opens the door for processing and problem-solving. I have a CBT perspective, so we often challenge irrational thoughts, consider alternative ways to view the situation, and rescript thoughts. This may happen during the game if the child wants to discuss the situation further. Otherwise, I am able to note the issue and revisit it later. Perhaps the disclosure will help me decide which game to play next time.