Waiting for a Turn

Presentation

1
Protect every child's work the same way, every time: a work in use stays with the child using it until they put it back on the shelf.
2
For the acted lesson, sit with one or two children. The partner adult works with a puzzle.
3
Walk to the partner and say: 'I want a turn when you are finished.' The partner says: 'When I'm finished.'
4
Sit near with your hands in your lap and watch. When the partner puts the puzzle on the shelf, say: 'Now it is my turn,' and take it.
5
When a child reaches for another child's work, hold their hand softly and say: 'Mia is using the puzzle. When she puts it on the shelf, it is your turn.'
6
Stay with the waiting child. Name the feeling: 'You want it. It is hard to wait.' Offer to watch together or to choose a different work.
7
Do not ask the working child to hurry or to share. When they return the work, tell the waiting child: 'Mia put the puzzle on the shelf. It is your turn now.'

Extensions, easiest to hardest

Wait for a turn at the sink or the snack table
The child says or signs 'my turn' or 'when you're finished'
The child chooses another work while waiting and comes back later

Control of error

The work on the shelf is free to take; a work in another child's hands is not, and the adult's words and hand show the child where the limit is.

Ready to move on when the child…

Waits near a work in use, or chooses another, without grabbing
Goes to the shelf when told the work is free
Says or signs 'my turn' or asks for a turn with words

Guide note

Toddlers are not made to share a work while they are using it; this protects the concentration of the working child and gives the waiting child a clear rule. If one work has several children waiting for it every day, the adult can add a second, similar work to the shelf.