We show you how to develop your child’s sharing and turn-taking skills. Read on to learn more about the Turn-Taking Christmas Tree Activity.
Thanks to Jessica, from Staffordshire in the UK, for sending in this turn-taking Christmas Tree great idea. Let’s take a look at it…
What did you do?
A simple activity to support language, interaction and turn-taking.
1. Cut out a Christmas tree shape. (It doesn’t have to be green- my little one enjoyed colouring ours in multi colours.)
2. Cut out Christmas pictures- we used old cards.
(If your child will find it tricky to engage with Christmas pictures then use pictures they will like.)
3. Put pictures in a box/container.
4. Take turns choosing a picture and putting it on the tree. Talk about the picture and it’s position on tree.
Additional ideas
You can turn it into a choice-making activity by hold up 2 pictures and getting your child to choose which one they want.
I take a picture of ours every time we do it so we can look at and compare the differences.
What did you love about this activity?
I loved the fact that it is reusable and you can keep doing it with different results each time.
It encourages my daughter to develop her core social skills.
All the family can take part.
Do you have any other projects planned?
Making a Christmas wreath decoration.
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
My name is Jessica and I come from a teaching and Speech and Language Therapy background with a focus on social skills.
I have a 3 yr old daughter who is a whirlwind!
@jessgoessocial
Do you have any tips for other parents?
Remember developing core social skills is as important as developing academic skills. Try activities that support, and encourage: interaction, eye contact, attention and listening, choice-making, turn-taking.
Also it’s all about balance and some days you can’t do it all.
What are your family’s favourite board game(s)/card game(s)?
Any shopping list games and Top Trumps.
What are your children’s favourite books?
Ten Little Monsters and all the other books in this series– the pictures are brilliant and full of hidden things for you to notice!
The Disney Picture Dictionary is also a firm favourite at the moment.
What toys would you recommend to other parents?
Frog in the Box– it’s mainly for babies and young toddlers but I’ve found kids of all ages find it really enjoyable!
Has this website and community helped you?
Provided me with activity ideas when I’ve been too tired (or lazy!) to think of my own.
