Turn-Taking in Play
Pick a ‘People Game’ to do or do an activity such as one of those pictured below. Some of your children may be ready to play simple board games too.|
 Car Ramp |
Ball |
Blocks |
Puzzles |
Toys that light up or move |
- Use simple language when you are supporting your child to take a turn in the game e.g. “mummy’s turn”, “Ben’s turn”, “waiting”.
- Let your child take a turn in the game first. Then use simple language to say it is your turn and start by taking a quick turn.
- If your child finds it hard to let you have a turn with a toy, gently shield their hands from the toy so you can take a turn. At the same time you do this use simple words e.g. “waiting”. You could also use the Makaton ‘wait’ hand sign to reinforce this: Makaton for 'to wait' - YouTube
- Keep control of the toy or pieces of toy to start with. For example, hold all the blocks to build a tower and give your child a block on their turn. If it’s easier you could keep all of the blocks/puzzle pieces in a bag and each person only gets the bag to choose a piece from when it is their go.
- If your child finds it hard to give up the toy when it’s somebody else’s turn give them a 5 second countdown.
- Praise your child when they have waited for their turn e.g. “well done, good waiting”
- When your child is able to wait for their turn, try making the turns slightly longer so your child is learning to wait for longer.
- Encourage your child to show you whose turn it is. This can be by pointing, looking or saying your name. Show your child how to do this e.g. “Ben’s turn”
- Once your child can take turns with you in a range of games try introducing another child or adult to join in the games.
Last updated20 Jan 2025