3.3y–5y12 minSocial playFamily timeDevelopmental play
Talk Token Turn-Taking
A quick, playful conversation routine using a ‘talk token’ to practise turn-taking, listening, polite phrases (please/thank you/can I…?), and respectful home conventions while keeping chat child-friendly.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one small ‘talk token’ (coin, button, bottle top, or small toy)
- 2–3 everyday objects to talk about (e.g., spoon, sock, toy car)
Nice to have
- a timer/phone (optional, for 20-second turns)
- a soft toy to be the ‘third speaker’
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSustains back-and-forth conversationMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- 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
- MilestoneChanges behaviour across settingsHeart· 3y–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneEnacts a pretend roleMind· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Links statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Extends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage conversation with others and demonstrate appropriate conventions: turn-taking, waiting until someone else has finished, listening to others and using expressions such as “please”, “thank you” and “can I…?”. At the same time, respond sensitively to social conventions used at home.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)