20 Skill Ideas for Teaching Turn-Taking
In a departure from our recent discussions on the intricate professional aspects for BCBAs, this week we delve into the instructive world of teaching turn-taking. It's worth noting that this skill, while seemingly elementary, can pose considerable challenges for many of our learners—most of us know that!
However, once they begin to understand, it allows for the simultaneous development of several related skills—especially in regard to basic game play. This progression also aids in enhancing their familiarity with various game stimuli.
A crucial point of emphasis when trying these targets out: consistently label whose turn it is. And, as the learner becomes proficient, it's advantageous to integrate a third or fourth participant, be it a peer or an adult, into the activity.
Check it out!
“My turn” with a neutral value item. Hand your learner an item that they find moderately preferred. Hold your hands out and say “My turn”.
“My turn” with a high value item. Hand your learner an item that they find highly preferred. Hold your hands out and say “My turn”. Give it right back!
“My turn” with a high value item for four exchanges. Hand your learner an item that they find highly preferred. Hold your hands out and say “My turn”. After a tolerable amount of time, prompt them to mand “My turn” (or you say “Your turn!” if more applicable). Hand the item back right away. Follow this process for four exchanges.
“My turn” with high value item for ten exchanges. Hand your learner an item that they find highly preferred. Hold your hands out and say “My turn”. After a tolerable amount of time, prompt them to mand “My turn” (or you say “Your turn!” if more applicable). Hand the item back right away. Follow this process for ten exchanges.
Alternate turns with spinners. Hand your learner a spinner from a board game and instruct them to spin it. Hold your hands out and say “My turn”. They should hand the spinner to you. After you spin, prompt them to mand “My turn” (or you say “Your turn!” if more applicable). Hand the spinner to them and have them spin it again. Follow this process for 5-10 exchanges (depending on the learner). Note: Make sure to label and talk about the result of the spin: “Look, you landed on a three!”
Alternate turns with dice. Hand your learner a dice from a board game and instruct them to roll it. Hold your hands out and say “My turn”. They should hand the dice to you. After you roll, prompt them to mand “My turn” (or you say “Your turn!” if more applicable). Hand the dice to them and have them roll it again. Follow this process for 5-10 exchanges (depending on the learner). Note: Make sure to label and talk about the result of the roll: “Look, you rolled a six!”
Alternate turns with flipping cards (Candyland, Memory, playing cards, etc.). Present to your learner a stack of cards (or an array of cards) that are face down. Instruct them to turn a card over. Praise them and then say “My turn”. You should then turn a card over. After your turn, prompt them to say “My turn” (or you say “Your turn!” if more applicable). They should proceed to turn another card over. Follow this process for 5-10 exchanges (depending on the learner). Note: Make sure to label what was turned over: “Look, you turned over blue”.
Alternate turns with game pieces (Candyland, Sorry, etc.) Present to your learner a a game board with 2 game pieces at the start. Move your game piece any distance on the board (you can count if you think the learner has mastered counting). Then tell the learner that it is their turn or prompt them to say so themselves “It’s my turn!”. Learner should move their game piece next to yours. Next, you'll move your game piece further (Say “My turn” beforehand). Follow this process through 5-10 exchanges (or whenever your game pieces make it to “home”).
Alternate turns with building a block tower. Present to your learner 10-20 blocks or Legos. Instruct your learner to stack a block onto another. Then, inform them that it is your turn. Proceed to stack one of your own blocks on top of the others. Prompt them to say “My turn” (or you can say “It’s your turn” if applicable). They should proceed to stack another block on top of the pile. Follow this process through 5-10 exchanges (or until the block structure falls).
Alternate turns with putting rings on a ring stacker. Same pattern as above—but for a ring stacker.
Alternate turns putting shapes into a shape sorter. Same pattern as above—but for a shape sorter.
Alternate turns putting puzzle pieces into inset puzzles. Same pattern as above—but for inset puzzles.
Alternate turns with electronic media. Same pattern as above—allows you to even leave the app or video (if applicable) to watch or play something else.
Alternates turns with spinners between 3-4 people. Same as above, but add a couple of peers to the mix. Hint: In the beginning stages, use a visual with names of the participants to help the learner understand the rotation.
Alternates turns with dice between 3-4 people. See above.
Alternates turns with flipping cards with 3-4 people. See above.
Alternates turns with game pieces with 3-4 people. See above.
Alternates turns with building a block tower with 3-4 people. See above.
Alternates turns with putting puzzle pieces into a jigsaw puzzle with 3-4 other people. See above.
Alternates turns with electronic media/game with 3-4 other people. Same as above, but add a couple of peers to the mix. Great for video games.
In crafting skill sequences and sharing programming ideas, I’ve had a lot of fun! That fun has been the driving force behind establishing bxmastery.com. The sequence of teaching turn-taking holds a special place in my heart, as it bridges the learner to game play and communal activities amongst their peers. Many of our youngsters find a haven in board games, where the structured rules can be a guiding light and source of comfort. Moreover, as they grow, I’ve noticed that their progression toward more advanced games - be it Monopoly, Magic the Gathering, or even Dungeons and Dragons - plays an instrumental role in fostering enduring friendships.
Eager to hear from you: what inventive ideas do you have about game play, sharing, and turn-taking?