Sharing Toys...Quick Question

[DanceMom]

Depends on how long Child A has been playing with the toy. If she/he has had it only for a few minutes I tell Child B to find something else until so and so minutes are up then it will be her/his turn. If Child A has been playing with it for a long time, I tell Child A its B's turn.

If I set a time on it, it seems to work best. I always do this too before naps, lunch etc..."we all have 10 minutes before naptime" - seems to help them start transitioning themselves into the next activity.

If they fight over it, I take it away and no one is allowed to play with it for the rest of the day.

[melskids]

::

My stystem doesn't work on older kids. I don't keep kids past five. They are WAY too much work for way too little money.

oh i hear that!!! LOL

sometimes i wish i didnt have SA, but they come with full time good paying younger siblings.

but they do seem to have a harder time sharing then the two year olds.

[sierrastreasures]

I've learned long ago how to squelch the fighting when it comes to toys at my daycare.

1. First of all I've set the environment up so everyone has their own space.

2. Each child is allotted 4' x 4' taped off square area on a rugged area. This is called "their home" (like an house).

3. Each child is allowed to take any toy they wish into their "home".

4. No other child can enter that "home" space unless they ask the child that resides in that space first or is invited personally by the child.

5. The timer is set for 10 minutes. This is after everyone has picked out their new toys.

6. I announce they have 10 minutes to play and the timer is set.

7. Once they hear the ding (and believe me they hear it) and the time is up they have to change toys. OR...

7. If it is a board game or a complicated toy they have the option of electing to stay 10 more minutes playing with that toy.

[DBug]

I do it the same way adults would have to negotiate for a piece of equipment (like, the photocopier at the office ).

When Child A is done, the toy is fair game and whoever wants to play with it next, may do so. When needed, I remind Child B to use the phrase "When you're done with that, can I please play with it?". More often than not, Child A will give the toy to B right away or within the next few minutes. I don't police how long they've had the toy though. I think giving them the freedom to keep the toy as long as they want to cuts down on hoarding ... jmho.