Turn-Taking Card

A cue card that has a “My Turn” visual to support students in learning how to take turns during activities.

When to use: 

• When teaching turn-taking in structured and unstructured activities.  
• During games, shared play, and other social interactions.
• Support students who struggle with waiting or sharing.  

How to use: 

1. Choose a preferred item or activity that naturally requires turn-taking (e.g., a two-player game or a toy that only one person can use at a time).   
2. Present the card to the student with the “My Turn” text and icon facing them. Model appropriate waiting behavior by narrating actions like, “It’s your turn, so I am waiting quietly.”
3. Direct them to begin their turn using a verbal prompt like “Your turn.”   
4. When their turn is over, prompt them to slide the card back and say, “Your turn.”
5. When it’s your turn, retrieve the item and place the “My Turn” card in front of yourself. Reinforce waiting behaviors (e.g., “Great job sitting quietly!”). If the student struggles with waiting, prompt appropriate behaviors (“Hands down until it’s your turn.”)
6. Keep initial turns brief, gradually increasing wait time as the student becomes more comfortable.  
7. Model passing the card back and forth, ensuring the student uses the “Your turn” verbal prompt consistently.  
8. Continue using the card to visually indicate whose turn it is.  
9. Gradually introduce additional partners once the student is proficient with one-on-one turn-taking.  

Tips: 

• Start with simple two-player games or sharing one toy to introduce turn taking.  
• Use visual and verbal reinforcement to encourage appropriate waiting behaviors.  
• Adjust the turn lengths based on the student’s ability to wait - shorter at first, then gradually extending.  

Variations: 

• Once a student masters turn-taking with one partner, introduce more peers and pass the turn-taking card around the group.  
• Adapt for nonverbal students by pairing the card with gestures or AAC devices.