Developing Turn Taking Skills in Berry Class!

Date: 23rd Apr 2026 @ 11:52am

Developing Turn-Taking Skills in Berry Class

In Berry Class, we are continuing to develop one of the most important early life and social skills: turn-taking. For many of our learners, this can initially feel challenging. Waiting, sharing attention, and understanding when it is someone else’s turn all require patience, emotional regulation, and strong adult support.

Through consistent modelling from staff and the use of positive reinforcement, we are seeing fantastic progress. Adults in the classroom carefully demonstrate what turn-taking looks like, narrate the process, and gently guide pupils through each step. This predictable and supportive approach helps learners feel secure and understand what is expected of them.

A recent favourite activity has been bubble blowing. This simple, engaging experience provides an ideal opportunity to practise turn-taking in a motivating context. Pupils are encouraged to wait for their turn, watch their peers, and celebrate each other’s success. The excitement of the bubbles helps to sustain attention, while the structure of the activity naturally reinforces patience and self-control.

What has been particularly pleasing is seeing pupils begin to wait more calmly and increasingly understand that their turn will come. These small but meaningful moments reflect significant progress in communication, social understanding, and emotional development.

Turn-taking is not just a classroom routine; it is a vital life skill. It underpins future learning, friendships, and participation in group activities. We are proud of the way pupils in Berry Class are growing in confidence and independence as they develop this skill.

With continued encouragement, consistency, and celebration of success, we look forward to seeing even more progress in the weeks ahead.