Turn Taking Block Tower Build
Build a block tower together, each person adding one block at a time — the simplest and most satisfying way to practice turn-taking.
What You'll Need
- 1Large stacking blocks or soft foam blocks
What You'll Need
Large stacking blocks or soft foam blocks (8-12 blocks is plenty)
How to Play
Sit on the floor with blocks between you and your toddler.
Place the first block and narrate: "My turn! I put one block down."
Hand a block to your toddler: "Your turn! You put one on top."
Keep alternating — "My turn... your turn..." — building the tower together.
Count each block as it goes on: "One... two... three!"
When the tower crashes down (and it absolutely will), celebrate: "CRASH! That was amazing!"
Start building again. The whole cycle — build, crash, rebuild — is the activity.
Why It Works
This is turn-taking in its purest, most concrete form. "I go, you go, I go, you go." The blocks make it visible and physical. Your toddler can see and feel the pattern of alternation. The shared goal (making the tower tall) adds a cooperative element, and the inevitable crash adds pure joy. Toddlers will want to do this over and over, which means they're practicing turn-taking over and over — exactly what you want.
Tips
Use bigger blocks for younger toddlers. They're easier to stack and less frustrating.
If your toddler wants to knock the tower down before it's "done," that's fine. Knocking it down is understanding cause and effect.
Try saying "1, 2, 3... GO!" before the intentional crash. It builds anticipation and impulse control.
As they get older, add a rule: the person whose block makes it fall has to start the next tower.
Age Adaptation Tips
Toddlers learn through repetition. Keep it simple, expect mess, and let them explore at their own pace. Demonstrate first, then let them try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: large stacking blocks or soft foam blocks.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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