Learning to take turns and share is more than just good manners—it’s a fundamental social skill that helps children form positive relationships and confidently navigate group settings. These skills teach patience, empathy, and cooperation, laying the foundation for strong communication and teamwork.

Children who learn to share and take turns develop essential skills for future success. Whether waiting patiently for their turn on the slide, passing a toy to a friend, or playing a game together, these small actions teach children how to interact positively with others. Practicing turn-taking and sharing also helps reduce frustration and encourages problem-solving.

Fun Ways to Practice

1.  Board Games: Games with structured turn-taking, like Candy Land or memory match, help children practice waiting for their turn in a fun and engaging way.
2.  Use a Timer: Set a short timer when playing with a favorite toy so each child gets a fair turn. This helps reinforce patience and fairness.
3.  Role-Playing: Act out scenarios where children take turns and share. For example, practice passing a pretend microphone when taking turns speaking.
4.  Story Time Conversations: Read books about sharing and taking turns, then discuss the characters’ actions. Ask, “How do you think they felt when they shared?”
5.  Sharing Basket: Create a basket of special toys just for sharing, encouraging children to pick something to play with together.

Tips for Teachers, Parents, and Caregivers

• Model Sharing & Turn-Taking: Demonstrate these skills in daily interactions. For example, say, “It’s your turn to pick a snack, and then it will be mine.”
• Praise Positive Behavior: Recognize and celebrate when your child shares or waits their turn.
• Keep It Fun: Turn-taking and sharing should feel rewarding, not forced. Offer gentle encouragement and plenty of opportunities to practice.

By reinforcing these skills early on, you’ll help your child build meaningful friendships, confidently navigate social settings, and develop a sense of fairness and kindness. With time and practice, taking turns and sharing will become second nature!