Taking turns can be difficult for young children and extremely difficult for children with special needs. There are a lot of instances in which children need to wait for their turn, whether it is in a conversation, in playing a game, or when requesting someone’s attention. Turn taking is one of the most important social skills a child needs to develop to be able to properly communicate with others and establish relationships.
However, turn taking is not a skill that children are born with. They learn it in everyday interactions with peers and adults, and, almost always, they need explicit instruction in how to master it successfully. As educators, there are several strategies we can use to tackle this task:
1. Social Stories– One of the best ways to introduce the concept of turn taking to a child and explain the process is through a social story that illustrates a real life scenario and offers appropriate ways to take turns and communicate the intent.
2. Modeling– The power of teacher modeling should never be underestimated. Using visuals, teachers can model the desired behavior in a way that makes it easier for students to follow and understand. Visual cards serve as cues for when a child’s turn begins and/or ends and bring a concrete element to the turn taking process. To begin, show the visual card to the student and explain that the person who has the card, has the turn. Model the verbiage associated with it. Say and point to the text on the card: “My turn!” Slide the card to your student and say “Your turn!” Instruct the student to get the card and say “My turn!”
3. Real Life Situations– Shared play time and board games are perfect day-to-day situations that allow for turn taking opportunities and practice. Chose board games that require very little explanations of rules and very little communication skills so the focus can be turn taking while playing. Candyland is an excellent starter game because of its simple concept and rules. To begin, place the “My turn” card in front of the student and say “It’s your turn. I am waiting patiently”. Model appropriate behavior while waiting and explain: “I keep my hands to myself, I am quiet and calm”. When the student is done, slide the card towards yourself and say “My turn! and begin your turn. While the student is waiting, praise their good waiting skills (“I like how you are waiting patiently” or “I like the way you sit quietly and wait for your turn!”) or correct the inappropriate behavior (“Please put your hands in your lap. It is not your turn” or “Please don’t touch until it is your turn”). When your turn ends, model passing the card to your student and continue in the same manner for a few more turns.
Candyland cards can be substituted for cards that help students practice academic skills, such as number recognition, addition and subtraction skills, counting, sight word practice etc. Find my collection of Candyland board game cards here.
