3.3y–5y12 minSocial playFamily timeFree play
Fair Share Give-and-Take Game
Coach the adult to run a short give-and-take game where your child practises sharing, turn-taking, and fairness language, with support for negotiating without aggression.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 10–20 small everyday items to share (e.g., blocks, coins, bottle tops, grapes/crackers if appropriate)
- two bowls/plates (or two piles on the floor/table)
Nice to have
- a small timer/phone timer (optional)
- a small ‘turn token’ object (e.g., spoon) to show whose turn it is (optional)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneNegotiates peer conflictsHeart· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneMaintains control under frustrationHeart· 4.5y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneIndependently restrains impulsesHeart· 4y–6y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch
- MilestoneBegins to identify own mathematical problems based on own interests and fascinations.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 2, 3
What it practices
- Beginning to be able to negotiate and solve problems without aggression, e.g. when someone has taken their toy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Aware of the boundaries set, and of behavioural expectations in the setting.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities that require give and take or sharing for things to be fair.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)