2.5y–4.2y9 minSocial playFamily timeQuiet time
Turn-Taking & Sharing Circle
A small-group (or toy-group) activity using a ‘turn token’ to practise waiting, turn-taking, sharing, and friendly negotiation words to keep group play going.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small ‘turn token’ (spoon, soft ball, or small toy)
- 3-5 small toys or safe household objects to share/choose from
Nice to have
- a timer (phone) for short turns
- 1-2 stuffed toys to make a ‘group’ if you don’t have extra players
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
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSupported sharingHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCooperates and shares with peersHeart· 3y–5y· stretch· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneNegotiates peer conflictsHeart· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCooperative turn-taking play with peersHeart· 4y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneJoins other children in playHeart· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Can play in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, e.g. building up a role-play activity with other children.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates play, offering cues to peers to join them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Initiates conversations, attends to and takes account of what others say.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities that involve turn-taking and sharing in small groups.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)