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Toy Turn-Taking Troubles?

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Molly Rice

Tier 1
For Schools

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.

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