Put One Away Before the Next

1. 1

   When toys spread across the floor as your child moves from one activity to another, use a simple marker system for unfinished play.

2. 2

   If they leave dolls to begin drawing, ask, “Are you still playing with the dolls? If not, let’s put them away first.”

3. 3

   If the dolls are not finished, place one of three paper markers beside them to mean “I’m coming back.” Once all three markers are in use, one toy group must be put away before another comes out.

4. 4

   Invite your child to write or mark their name on each paper so the saved play also carries responsibility for tidying it later.

5. 5

   When no markers remain, decide together which toy group can be put away first.

What to notice

• Chooses a toy with your guidance and puts it away Emotional & Behavioral Self-Regulation
• When no paper card remains, tries to persuade you to bring out another toy Communicating and Speaking

Tips

• The number of paper pieces does not need to stay fixed. Add or remove pieces to match your child’s play and sorting ability so the rule remains manageable.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Marking a toy they want to revisit prompts your child to pause before switching activities and choose whether to continue playing or put the toy away.