Why Roll & Play Works for Turn-Taking
Turn-taking is a foundational social skill that many toddlers and children on the autism spectrum find challenging. Roll & Play, a toddler game from ThinkFun, makes practicing this skill natural and fun. The game pairs a large plush cube with a set of cards, and it is designed for parents and toddlers to play together. Because the game relies on rolling the cube and matching the color to a card, it creates clear, predictable turns that even young children can follow.
The supplied information describes Roll & Play as one of ThinkFun's most popular toddler games, and it has won awards including an Oppenheim Platinum Award. It is built with high-quality components and comes with a clear instruction manual, so you can start playing within minutes of opening the box. This simplicity is key for turn-taking practice: there are no complicated rules to distract from the social interaction.
How to Play Roll & Play for Turn-Taking
The following steps describe a basic turn-taking session using the game as intended. Adapt the pace and prompts to your child's comfort level.
- Set up the game together: Place the plush cube and the set of cards on a flat surface. Let your child help arrange the cards face up. This builds anticipation and gives them a sense of ownership over the activity.
- Model your turn first: Roll the cube, then look at the color that lands face up. Find a matching card and perform the action shown (for example, make an animal sound or do a simple movement). Say clearly, 'My turn is done. Now it's your turn.'
- Encourage your child's turn: Hand the cube to your child. If they hesitate, gently guide their hand to roll it. Help them match the color and perform the action. Use simple verbal prompts like 'Your turn to roll!' and 'Now your turn to do the action.'
- Repeat and celebrate each turn: Continue taking turns for as long as your child stays engaged. Clap, smile, or give a high-five after each turn to reinforce the social exchange. The game naturally ends when all cards have been used or when interest wanes.
Adapting the Game for Different Skill Levels
If your child is new to turn-taking, you can simplify the game by using only two or three cards at a time. Focus on one or two familiar actions, such as clapping or roaring like a lion. As your child becomes more comfortable, gradually add more cards and encourage them to watch your turn before taking theirs. For children who need extra support, use hand-over-hand assistance to roll the cube and point to the matching card.
The game also encourages active play and gross motor skills, which can be helpful for children who need movement breaks between turns. The large plush cube is easy to grasp and roll, making the physical act of taking a turn satisfying and clear.
Key Features of Roll & Play
- Roll & Play: Roll & Play is designed for parents and toddlers to play together, and comes with a large plush cube and a set of cards. The parent-child play design naturally creates turn-taking opportunities, and the large cube is easy for small hands to manipulate.
Roll & Play - Roll & Play: The game has won several awards including an Oppenheim Platinum Award. The award recognition indicates that the game has been positively reviewed by experts in child development and play.
- Roll & Play: Roll & Play strengthens bonds and builds confidence while encouraging creativity, active play and gross motor skills. These benefits support social and emotional development alongside turn-taking practice, making the game a multi-purpose tool.
What the Catalog Does Not Confirm
The supplied information does not specify a recommended age range, number of players, or exact number of cards. It also does not include specific instructions for adapting the game for children with sensory sensitivities or communication delays. For these reasons, you may need to experiment with the game to see what works best for your child. The basic turn-taking structure, however, is flexible enough to accommodate many individual needs.
