Sophie Wants A Turn
Title: Sophie Wants a Turn
Author: Dr. Becky A. Bailey
Recommended for Ages: 1.5-3 years old
About: Learning how to share with others
Sophie Wants a Turn is a board book that can be used to help children ages 1.5-3 learn how to share with others. Since young children may not have the words to tell us what they need or want, they may use their bodies instead, like taking a toy from a friend. Or a child may become angry and push their friend when a toy is taken from them. It is important for children to learn ways to make challenging skills like sharing and taking turns more positive.
Sophie Wants a Turn uses a character named Sophie to teach children about sharing and taking turns. The pictures in the book show Sophie using the phrase “Tap, wait, and ask” as she asks others for a turn. The story shows Sophie using this skill with different people in her life as she practices. The pictures make it easy for young children to know what to do and say when they want to ask for a turn. The phrase “Tap, wait, and ask” is simple for young children to follow, with practice and support from their grownups.
Learning to share can be practiced during other times at home too. For example, if siblings would like to play with the same toy, use that time to practice “Tap, wait, and ask” and walk them through the steps together. It is very common for siblings to have a hard time with sharing and turn taking. The more practice they have, with support from a grownup, the more they will feel like they can use these skills on their own.
Another example of practicing this skill is to use the “Tap, wait, and ask” phrase to ask for a turn, with the toy your child is playing with, to show both sides of sharing and taking turns. For children to learn how to share, it is important for them to learn what to do when they are asked for a turn, too. Practicing both sides of sharing and turn taking often helps children remember what to do in those moments later on.
Social skills like sharing and taking turns can be difficult for young children to learn. By using fun and interactive tools like “Tap, wait and ask”, children become excited about learning and practicing something new. And remember – practice, practice, practice!
I hope you enjoy this book!
Reviewer: Kristin Lariviere, LMSW
Early Childhood Consultant
Early Childhood Consultation Partnership