About this resource
Taking turns in play builds the back-and-forth of conversation. This guide offers simple games such as rolling a ball, building towers and sound games, with 'my turn, your turn' visual cards and partner tips.
Purpose
To build turn-taking as a foundation for conversation.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Speech pathologists. Also relevant for educators and school support staff, disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Families and educators of children building turn-taking skills.
Practice setting: Home, early childhood and speech pathology.
Suggested uses
- Early communication
- Speech pathology home programs
- Early childhood settings
- Social skills groups
Instructions for practitioners
- Start with short, fun games.
- Use the visual cards consistently.
- Wait for the child's turn.
- Praise turn-taking.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Play the game.
- Take turns.
Accessibility considerations
Use visual cards and gestures.
Scope and limitations
General activities.
Research basis
Parent-implemented language strategies and interactive shared reading support children's language development. School-based social and emotional learning programs improve students' social skills, behaviour and academic results.
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x
- Mol, S. E., Bus, A. G., de Jong, M. T., & Smeets, D. J. H. (2008). Added Value of Dialogic Parent–Child Book Readings: A Meta-Analysis. Early Education and Development, 19(1), 7–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409280701838603
- Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The Effectiveness of Parent-Implemented Language Interventions: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199. https://doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2011/10-0055)
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Symbols are original line drawings created for Practitioner Plus.
