Turn-Taking Train (Detailed Activity Handout)

Objective:
Students will practice saying “My turn” and “Your turn” while taking turns pushing train cars, reinforcing sharing language and cooperative play.

Materials:

• Small Toy Train Set (engine + 4 cars)
• Visual Sharing Cards (“My Turn,” “Your Turn”)
• Sharing Tokens (e.g., stickers or small counters)
• Low table or rug space

Setup:

1. Arrange the train track on a low table or rug.
2. Place two cars on your side and two on the student’s side.
3. Display the Visual Sharing Cards upright in view.
4. Keep Sharing Tokens in a small bowl nearby.

Procedure:

1. Step 1: Introduction (1 minute)
   • Teacher holds up the “My Turn” card and says, “This is my turn. Say, ‘My turn.’”
   • Student repeats “My turn” three times.
   • Switch cards: hold “Your Turn” card, say, “This is your turn. Say, ‘Your turn.’”
   • Student repeats “Your turn” three times.
2. Step 2: Demonstration (1 minute)
   • Teacher places two cars in front of self, pushes them while saying, “My turn.”
   • Teacher holds out one car, holds up “Your Turn” card, says, “Your turn,” and hands it to the student.
3. Step 3: Guided Practice (2 minutes)
   • Prompt: “Now it’s your turn.” Wait up to five seconds for the student to respond.
   • If no response, model again: push a car saying “My turn,” then hand a car with “Your turn.”
   • When the student takes a turn, prompt them to say “My turn” as they push and “Your turn” as they hand it back.
4. Step 4: Repetition & Reinforcement (2 minutes)
   • Repeat the turn-taking cycle 4–5 times.
   • After each correct use of “My turn” and “Your turn,” give verbal praise (“Great sharing!”) and one Sharing Token.

Prompt Hierarchy:

• Full verbal: “Now it’s your turn. Say, ‘Your turn.’”
• Partial gestural: Point to the student’s side or card.
• Model prompt: Teacher demonstrates again.

Reinforcement:
After each successful turn-taking exchange, provide a Sharing Token and enthusiastic praise. At the end of 4–5 cycles, let the student count their tokens.

Timing:
Approximately 4 minutes for this activity within a 15-minute session. Adjust rounds for student engagement.

Tip:
Use clear, calm voice and positive, consistent praise. Keep visual cues in view at all times.

Sharing Race (Timer-Based Sharing Game)

Objective:
Students will practice sharing and taking turns by playing with a toy while following a timer cue, reinforcing language (“My turn,” “Your turn”) and cooperative play.

Materials:

• Small Toy (e.g., train car, block, or stuffed animal)
• Visual Timer (30 seconds)
• Sharing Tokens (stickers, counters)
• Comfort Corner Mat (for reflections)

Setup:

1. Place the toy and Sharing Tokens within easy reach of both teacher and student.
2. Position a visual timer so the student can see the countdown.
3. Sit facing the student on the floor or at a low table.

Rules & Procedure:

1. Explain the Game (1 minute)
   • Say: “We’re going to take turns playing. When the timer starts, one person plays. When it beeps, we switch!”
   • Model the language: Teacher picks up the toy, says “My turn,” and starts the timer.
2. Round Play (3 minutes)
   • Teacher’s Turn:
     • Pick up the toy and say “My turn.”
     • Let the student watch while you play until the timer beeps.
     • When it beeps, stop and say “Your turn!” as you hand the toy to the student.
     • Give the student one Sharing Token for good listening.
   • Student’s Turn:
     • Prompt: “Say ‘My turn’” if needed, then start the timer.
     • Student plays until the timer beeps (teacher provides gentle countdown reminders: “10 seconds left,” “5, 4…”).
     • At beep, prompt the student to say “Your turn” and hand the toy back.
     • Give verbal praise and one Sharing Token.
   • Repeat for 3–4 rounds, adjusting time or tokens based on engagement.
3. Prompt Hierarchy:
   • Full Verbal: “Now it’s your turn! Say, ‘Your turn.’”
   • Partial Gestural: Point to the next player or the Visual Timer.
   • Model: Teacher demonstrates language and action again.

Reinforcement & Rewards:

• After each successful turn change, give a Sharing Token and enthusiastic praise (“Great sharing!”).
• At the end, let the student count tokens and choose a simple reward (e.g., sticker or high-five).

Cool-Down Reflection (2 minutes):

• Move to the Comfort Corner Mat with Visual Sharing Cards.
• Show each card and ask: “Which one shows sharing?”
• When the student identifies correctly, cheer and say: “Yes—sharing!”
• Summarize: “You did awesome sharing today—fabulous turns!”

Timing Summary:

• Explain & Model: 1 minute
• Play Rounds: 8 minutes
• Cool-Down Reflection: 2 minutes
• Buffer & Transitions: 4 minutes

Tip:
Keep instructions short and consistent. Use calm, clear language and visual cues. Celebrate every attempt to share, even partial successes!

Sharing Reflection

Let’s think about our sharing today!

1. What toy did I share today?

1. How did sharing make me feel?

1. What is one way I can share tomorrow?

1. Draw a picture of you sharing a toy: