Taking turns requires several behaviors on the part of the child. First and foremost are self-regulation and impulse control. Being able to wait is another skill. The child often needs to listen and watch for clues that signal the end of the other person’s turn. The child who is having a turn may be the star attraction and the waiting child needs to be content not being the focus of attention. All this and adults expect kids to be patient, too? Learning all these behaviors may require some help. Here is a simple song that kids can sing whenever they are waiting for a turn. (tune-Mulberry Bush)
This is the way that we take turns, we take turns, we take turns.
One person goes and the rest all wait. We take turns.
This is the way that we take turns, we take turns, we take turns.
The Next person goes and the rest all wait. We take turns.
This is the way that we take turns, we take turns, we take turns.
Everyone needs to have a turn before we start again.
Speaking of turns, to have your turn to share your ideas on readiness include your comments in the section below.