# 14 · Ask before a change

## Say this, or use your own words

May I change this part, or shall it stay?

## Ready in a moment

An actual available wanted drawing, or a fresh broad adult-made mark. Keep each maker's ownership clear.

## Try a little play

1. Show which part belongs to whom. If there is no earlier drawing, make a new adult-owned doorway mark now.
2. Ask the opening before altering the chosen part. Keep yes, no, another idea and no response distinct.
3. Follow a clear answer. After an unclear response, leave the part as it is and offer a pause.
4. Offer the child a turn to ask about your mark, or finish. Saying no does not require a reason.

## Choose a useful route

- Communication: Use the child's existing yes/no or selection system. Ask about one specific change, such as a doorway's position, and wait. Confirm consent before acting; silence or an ambiguous gesture is not permission.
- Making or paper: Place a new possible version beside the original on the change aid. Ask before replacing an original mark. The child may direct an adult's pencil; that help stays named separately.
- Observe or imagine: Tell a scene in which one imaginary maker asks another to add a window. Offer keep or change as named choices. A fictional consent exchange does not establish consent for changing a real child's work.

## Two fictional ideas to borrow

- Art fiction: An adult asks to add a pretend roof to the child's drawn room. The child chooses no. They continue playing with the existing room; the adult leaves the page alone.
- Community fiction: Two imaginary makers plan a shared room. One asks to shift a doorway and the other proposes a separate entrance. No real building or person's access is changed.

## Notice, then choose the next move

Notice an actual request, response and respected action. If adult speed crowded out the response, slow the invitation and ask one specific question next time.

**Later fresh start:** Use a fresh adult-owned mark and invite one change request. Earlier consent never carries automatically to a new action.

**Optional extra:** Invent a visitor who changes its mind. Agree a new clear choice before continuing; no performance or real personal story is needed.

**Adult intention:** Practise asking, listening and respecting a decision in shared play.

[Optional original SVG aid](../aids/change-note.svg) · [complete no-image description](../aids.html#change-note)

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