Taking Turns

Children (and people in general) take turns all the time. Children take turns not only when they play games like checkers or foursquare, but also while they participate in class disucssions, or when they’re having conversations. It’s good to practice turn taking because it is a social skill used on a daily basis, not only as children but also as adults. Adults have to wait and take turns too - in meetings, in stores, and when driving.

There are two major parts to taking turns - taking your turn, and then waiting when it isn’t your turn. Waiting can be frustrating for kids. The activities and games below can help kids enjoy the moment when it is their turn, and practice waiting when it’s not their turn to play.