Turn-Taking Tips for a Calm and Happy Music Class
Ideas to Reduce Chaos and Help Little Ones Feel It’s Fair
If you teach early childhood or primary music, you know that turn-taking is one of the trickiest parts of classroom management. Whether you’re passing out instruments, inviting students to demonstrate a dance, or letting them have a turn on the drum, you’ve probably heard:
- “It’s not fair!”
- “But I didn’t get a turn!”
- “I want to go again!”
Suddenly, the joyful music lesson is full of wiggling, whining, and big feelings. It can really affect the flow of what was just a pleasant music experience.
Many kids struggle with taking turns so I want you to understand that it is not something that you are doing wrong. It is a skill that needs to be practiced over and over. I believe that if you implement a few thoughtful strategies into your classroom, you can turn turn-taking into a calm, fair, and even exciting part of your routine. These tips will help every student feel included and valued.
Why turn-taking is so important
Turn-taking isn’t just a classroom management tool—it’s a life skill. When children learn to wait patiently and cheer on their classmates, they’re developing:
- Patience and impulse control
- Empathy and a sense of fairness
- Listening skills while observing others
- Confidence for when it’s finally their turn
In music class specifically, turn-taking teaches students by letting them watch different ways to move, play, or sing. Seeing how a friend tries something often sparks ideas and builds understanding. But because young children are still learning these social skills, we have to teach, model, and practice it—again and again.
1. Use a clear visual order: line-up, circle, or chart
Nothing calms anxiety quite like knowing exactly when your turn will come.
If students are coming up one at a time to try a drum or show a movement, arrange them in a line or a sitting circle. Clearly point to where you’ll start and explain how you’ll move around the group.
For older preschool or kindergarten classes, try using a simple turn-taking chart with name sticks or velcro pictures. Move each student’s picture from the “waiting” side to the “done” side after their turn. It takes away the mystery and the “But I was next!” arguments. Students can see the order and trust that their turn is coming.
2. Play “Turn Detective”
This gentle game keeps kids focused on others’ turns instead of getting bored or impatient.
Tell your class, “When it’s not your turn, you’re a Turn Detective. Watch closely to see how your friend plays the drum. Then when it’s your turn, you can try it too.”
Give them something specific to look for, like:
- How softly or loudly their friend plays
- What kind of rhythm or movement they use
- If they remember to stop on your signal
It keeps the whole class engaged and helps them learn by watching. It also builds careful listening skills.
3. Keep individual turns quick and structured
Long waits are the biggest reason turn-taking leads to problems. Aim for short, consistent turns that move along smoothly.
Try four quick beats on the drum or a few seconds of scarf dancing. Use a counting phrase such as, “One, two, three, four, your turn is done—next friend!”
If you have a large group, skip long solos and try:
- Partner or small group turns
- A class line where everyone gets two quick shakes of a maraca
Everyone feels included, but you aren’t stuck waiting forever, which means less time for students to grow restless.
4. Use a chant or song to pass the turn
Turn-taking songs work wonders. They keep the mood light, shorten waiting time, and make passing from one student to the next clear.
Try a simple chant:
“It’s Sarah’s turn to play the drum,
Now we’ll pass it on to Ben—here we come!”
Or use a short transition song to a familiar tune, such as “London Bridge”:
“Now it’s your turn, play your beat,
Play your beat, play your beat.
Now it’s your turn, play your beat,
Then we’ll pass along.”
Songs give structure, keep energy positive, and add music to the process instead of it feeling like a chore.
5. Use a special object or pointer to choose turns
If everyone is eager, they all want to be next. Using a “magic pointer” helps manage this.
Try holding a sparkly wand, a fun pointer, or even a small puppet. Whoever it points to gets the next turn. You can also use a passing object. For example, whoever holds the special scarf is the next to try, then they pass it on. It shifts the focus from constantly asking the teacher to anticipating the pointer’s next move. It also makes the act of getting chosen feel extra special.
6. Teach exactly what to do while waiting
One big reason turn-taking can unravel is because students don’t actually know what to do when it’s not their turn. We often forget to teach the waiting part.
Be explicit. Try teaching your class:
- Hands in your lap
- Eyes on the person who’s playing
- Quiet mouths so they can hear
- Gentle clapping or patting along with the beat
Model it first. Say, “Watch me. My hands are in my lap, my eyes are on my friend, I’m waiting so kindly.” Then give lots of praise. “I love how Maya is waiting so patiently. She’s ready for her turn.” Clear, positive instructions for waiting prevent problems before they start. They also build a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
7. Celebrate each turn to help it feel special and fair
Instead of racing through turns just to be done, make each child’s moment feel important.
After a student’s turn, lead the group in a quick “Give them a quiet jazz hands” or a “One big clap.” You can also let them take a small bow before returning to their spot. It acknowledges their effort, shows they were noticed, and reassures everyone that each turn matters. This makes kids less likely to beg for another chance.
Extra tips for smooth turn-taking
- Explain the plan before you start. Let students know how long it will take and what happens after.
- Offer a gentle option for students who feel shy. Some kids may prefer to try with a partner or wait for another day.
- Keep notes on who’s had special turns, so over the weeks everyone gets a chance to shine.
- Stay light and warm. If you’re relaxed and playful, your class will pick up on that energy.
Turn-taking teaches more than just music
Helping children take turns isn’t just about managing noise or fairness in your lesson. It’s about teaching real-world skills like patience, empathy, and respect. When kids learn to wait their turn, cheer on their classmates, and trust that their time will come, you’re building a positive, supportive community.
So the next time you bring out a drum, scarf, or microphone, try a few of these ideas. You’ll likely find your students waiting with genuine excitement—because they know exactly when it will be their moment to shine.
