Level 1: Receptive Language
Turn taking is a great skill to target with all of your learners but your kids who struggle with receptive language skills will hugely benefit from this activity. Turn-taking is the foundation of a conversation and is the first stepping stone towards effective social skills. Children with autism sometimes struggle to engage with their peers. Working on turn-taking targets social skills and communication while creating a more independent and aware individual.
Tips to Teaching Turn Taking:
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Use Visuals
Using a visual can clarify whose turn it is. A simple visual My Turn card can be passed around to whomever turn it is. Keep this visual in several spots in your room so it can be easily accessed when you need it. Turn-taking happens all throughout the day!
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Move the Object When Switching Turns
Start with a physical object as opposed to a game with dice or playing cards. This helps clarify in a very concrete way whose turn it is.
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Use Toys and Items that are Highly Engaging
Use toys that light up, move, flash, make noise, etc. Choose those super annoyingly loud toys that you would hide from your own child. Those are the toys your students will want a turn with.
This post is part of the Cooking Up Communication Summer Series!
Click here to learn more!
- Planning for the Fall: Part 4 and 5 – Visually Structured Tasks and Routines - January 30, 2026
- Using TAH Curriculum for Homeschooling from a Homeschooling Parent - September 10, 2022
- Using The Autism Helper Curriculum for Homeschool - August 8, 2022
