15 · A turn we agreeEarly years home play · W3–4 · Cards / 15 a turn we agree

15 · A turn we agree

Say this, or use your own words

How could we both use this pretend place?

Ready in a moment

A familiar willing adult and one imagined space. No timer, prize, scarce toy or waiting challenge.

Try a little play

1. Invent a place both characters might use. Ask whether shared play is wanted; separate places work too.
2. Offer one arrangement: together, separate parts, one then another, or a different idea. Confirm both partners' choices.
3. Try one agreed pretend exchange. Pause if someone changes their mind, and choose a new arrangement together.
4. Close, continue or separate. A turn is an agreement for this play, not a rule to enforce at home.

Choose a useful route

• Communication: Name together or separate as a small first choice. A child can use familiar sign, AAC, voice or direction to an adult. Invite a second partner's actual choice without requiring the child to give up their own.
• Making or paper: Give each willing maker a broad space on the shared-choice aid. Ask whether a connecting mark is wanted. If the adult makes it, label their help; no actual item has to be passed or shared.
• Observe or imagine: Narrate an imaginary pair using a room at different times. The child can choose who enters first, choose simultaneous play or watch. Pretend agreement is different from a real partner agreeing.

Two fictional ideas to borrow

• Story fiction: Two visitors use a cloud stage, one telling a tale while the other watches. The child swaps their roles after asking. No audience performance or timed wait is required.
• Making fiction: Two pretend builders use different halves of a drawn workshop. They leave a shared doorway undecided. The story can continue without completing an agreement about every part.

Notice, then choose the next move

Notice the actual choices that made the exchange possible, including a choice for separate play. If an arrangement was too demanding, offer parallel spaces next time.

Later fresh start: Offer a new shared imaginary job with a fresh willing partner, or a solo version. No turn-taking score follows the child.

Optional extra: Try changing the arrangement after one pretend exchange. Ask each willing partner again, rather than assuming an earlier yes still applies.

Adult intention: Negotiate a small shared-play arrangement with a willing partner.

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