Autumn Pumpkin Pass: A Fun Game for Practising Taking Turns
When the crisp October air arrives in Ontario, it is a wonderful time to bring seasonal fun indoors while helping your child build important social skills. This simple game uses a small autumn pumpkin or soft toy to help children, siblings, or peers practise waiting, sharing, and taking turns in a low-pressure way. Every child’s pace is different, and playful games are a gentle way to connect without any rush.
What you need
- A small, lightweight plastic pumpkin or a soft fall-themed toy
- Two or more players (parents, siblings, or friends)
- A simple visual turn-taking card or token if helpful
How to do it
- Sit together on the floor facing each other in a circle or a comfortable row.
- Show the pumpkin to the players and name whose turn it is first using a clear visual or verbal cue.
- Gently roll or pass the pumpkin to the first person while saying, “It is your turn to hold the pumpkin.”
- Encourage the person holding the pumpkin to wait patiently for a count of three before passing it to the next player.
- Practise saying “my turn” and “your turn” softly as the pumpkin moves from person to person.
- Keep the game light and fun, focusing on the joy of passing the object together rather than strict rules.
- End the game with plenty of warm praise and a transition to a quiet activity.
Make it easier or harder
- Use physical hand-over-hand guidance if your child is still learning how to pass an item to someone else.
- Add a visual timer or a special token to make waiting easier to understand.
- Offer specific, enthusiastic praise every time your child successfully waits for their turn or shares the pumpkin.
Skills your child practises
- Taking turns during a shared activity
- Practising patience and waiting
- Sharing items with peers or family members
Remember, keep the atmosphere warm and positive, and feel free to book a free 20-minute call with Bloom ABA if you need more personalized ideas for your child.
Cover image: photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
