First off, the original way to do word ladders - giving a beginning and ending word, and expecting them to find their way from one to the other - is much too difficult and complicated. But there are several ways to bring this down to Kinder level.
1. Start with a simple 2-letter word and write it on the board (Ex: AT). As a class, have the students suggest the next word by changing only 1 letter. Inform, instruct, and correct as needed. Keep going until you feel it's time to stop. In the beginning, maybe stop after 3 words. You can make longer ladders as the year progresses. Have them write down each "rung" once their writing skills have improved.
2. Progress to simple 3-letter word (Ex: DOG). Later in the year, use 4-letter words. You can make this an individual assignment, homework, or a classroom effort by splitting them into teams.
3. You can even make it a contest between two groups by having them go up to the board one at a time and write a new word. The team that reaches (ex:) 10 words wins!
4. Challenge them by telling them they can only change the FIRST letter. Or the THIRD letter. How many can they find?
5. Or come up with your own idea!
