Toy Turn-Taking Troubles?

Molly Rice

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Toy Turn-Taking Troubles?

Students will learn to use words to express their desire to play with a toy someone else has, rather than taking it, and practice asking for a turn.

Learning to share and communicate needs verbally are foundational social skills that help children resolve conflicts peacefully, build friendships, and thrive in group settings. This prevents physical altercations and fosters a positive classroom environment.

Audience

Pre-K

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Through a puppet show and guided discussion, students will observe and practice verbal strategies for sharing.

Materials

Puppets (2 different characters), and A favorite classroom toy

Prep

Gather Materials & Review

10 minutes

Gather two distinct puppets and one popular classroom toy.
* Review the Puppet Show Script: My Turn! to prepare for the demonstration.
* Arrange seating so all students can clearly see the puppet show.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Do We Do?

2 minutes

Introduction (1 minute)

Welcome students and introduce the topic: "Sometimes we see a toy we really want to play with, but someone else has it! What do we do then? Do we grab it? Do we cry? Let's find out!"
Show the class the desired toy.
"Who wants to play with this toy?" (Solicit a few verbal responses).

Step 2

Puppet Show: My Turn!

5 minutes

Engage with Puppet Show (5 minutes)

Introduce the puppets and tell students they will watch a short story about sharing.
Perform the Puppet Show Script: My Turn! which demonstrates a scenario where one puppet wants a toy another puppet has.
Key moment: The puppet wanting the toy initially tries to grab it, then learns to use their words after a gentle redirection from the teacher (who can narrate this part or have a third puppet intervene). The verbal interaction should be clear: "May I please have a turn when you're done?" or "Can I play with you?"

Step 3

Discussion: Using Our Words

5 minutes

Guided Discussion (5 minutes)

Start a discussion with the class:
"What did the first puppet do? Was that a good choice? Why not?"
"What did the puppet say to get a turn? Why is using our words important?"
Guide students to understand that grabbing is not kind and can make others sad or angry. Emphasize that using words like "May I have a turn?" or "Can I play too?" is a safe and kind way to ask.
Practice saying the phrases aloud with the class: "May I have a turn!"

Step 4

Practice & Cool-Down

3 minutes

Practice and Conclusion (3 minutes)

Role-Play (2 minutes): Have two volunteers briefly role-play the scenario with the toy, practicing the verbal request. Provide positive reinforcement.
Cool Down (1 minute): Ask students, "What is one thing you can say when you want to play with a toy someone else has?" (Solicit a few answers). Reinforce the idea that using words helps everyone be friends and share nicely.

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Script

Puppet Show Script: My Turn!

Characters:

Puppet A: Playing happily with a toy (e.g., a car, a block, a small doll).
Puppet B: Enters, sees the toy, wants to play.
Teacher/Narrator: Guides the puppets and children.

Props: One toy (the 'desired toy' from the lesson plan).

(Scene opens with Puppet A happily playing with the toy.)

Teacher/Narrator: Look, everyone! Puppet A is having so much fun with this toy. They love playing with it all by themselves.

(Puppet B enters, sees the toy, and immediately walks over to Puppet A.)

Teacher/Narrator: Oh no! Here comes Puppet B. Puppet B sees the toy and really, really wants it!

(Puppet B tries to grab the toy from Puppet A without saying anything. Puppet A pulls it away, looking surprised and a little sad.)

Puppet A: Hey! I'm playing with that!

Teacher/Narrator: Uh oh. Puppet B wanted the toy so much, they tried to grab it! How do you think Puppet A feels? (Pause for student responses) Yes, Puppet A looks sad and a little upset. Grabbing doesn't feel very good, does it?

(Puppet B looks down, feeling a little sad too, realizing grabbing didn't work.)

Teacher/Narrator: Puppet B, it's okay to want a turn! But we need to use our words, not our hands. Let's think about what we can say.

(Whispers to Puppet B, guiding them.)

Teacher/Narrator: When we want a turn with a toy, we can ask nicely. Try saying: "May I please have a turn when you're done?" or "Can I play with you?"

(Puppet B looks up, tries again, this time using words.)

Puppet B: (To Puppet A) May I please have a turn when you're done?

Puppet A: Hmm... I'm almost finished. Okay, I can share with you in a minute!

Teacher/Narrator: Wonderful! Look what happened when Puppet B used their words! Puppet A was happy to share. Using our words helps everyone feel happy and play together.

(Puppet A and Puppet B smile at each other, and Puppet A makes a motion as if to pass the toy to B or invite them to play together soon.)

Teacher/Narrator: See? Using our words helps us get turns and makes new friends! Great job, Puppet B! Now, let's remember this when we want a turn with a toy.