My turn, your turn: a simple practice card

Free resource. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notebook or document. The spaces below are for your own notes, not an online form.

Pick a relaxed moment with one adult and one child. This is playful practice, not a chart for judging behaviour.

Choose our game

• Roll a ball or car between us.
• Add one block each to a tower.
• Make a sound, pause and listen for a response.
• Our own accessible game: ____________________

The action my child will do or communicate: ____________________

Make the change clear

• Words, gesture or picture we will use: ____________________
• How I will show that my short turn has finished: ____________________
• How I will leave time for my child to respond: ____________________

Example: “I roll the car back, say ‘your turn’ and wait. A look or movement towards it tells me they are joining in.”

When another child joins

• Shared toys we can offer: ____________________
• A special personal toy we will put away: ____________________
• A clear turn, such as one car down the ramp: ____________________
• Something to do while waiting: ____________________

Words to borrow: “You both want it. I will help. It is Lee’s turn, then yours.”

What I noticed

• One part my child managed with support: ____________________
• A sign the wait or game was too much: ____________________
• One change to make it easier next time: ____________________

Keep turns short enough for your child to experience the back-and-forth. If the game becomes upsetting, stop and offer another activity. You can try again another day without making anyone apologise for finding it difficult.

Browse all free resources.

For ideas to use alongside this resource, read Learning to take turns: small games before difficult sharing.