Suffolk Reporter

Students at John S. Hobart Elementary School recently experienced the return of a life-sized version of the board game "Candy Land" in their school library. This marks the fourth year of this event, organized by librarian Renee Dolan and teacher aide Brendaliz Santiago.

The school's library transforms into a large-scale version of the game, with loops of colored construction paper on the floor resembling spaces on the board. Tables are decorated to represent different destinations within Candy Land. Teachers call out colors, prompting students to move to corresponding squares. Landing on specially marked pink squares allows students to collect prizes from each destination.

Renee Dolan and Brendaliz Santiago first introduced this activity in 2021 when students returned to school amid pandemic conditions. The idea was to offer an experience similar to trick-or-treating while respecting social distancing measures.

Beyond entertainment, the game serves educational purposes as well. "We refer back to the Candy Land game when we are discussing patterns in the primary grades," explained Mrs. Dolan. For older students, it aids discussions about algorithms, loops, and conditionals.

The activity has been met with positive feedback from participants, especially students who eagerly anticipate it each year. "Our students look forward to this activity each year and begin asking, on the first day of school, when it is being held," said Mrs. Dolan.