Civics GovernmentTaking Turns Is a Fair Way to Solve Problems
Justice the guide stands on a sunny playground next to a bright red swing set, holding a small sand timer and smiling while two children wait in a friendly line, each eager for their turn on the swings.
- Identify when a taking-turns problem happens between two people who want the same thing.
- Explain why taking turns is a fair way to solve the problem.
- Compare what happens when people take turns versus when one person takes everything.
- Predict how each person feels when turns are equal and fair.
Key terms
- taking turns
- One person goes first and then the next person gets a chance.
- fairness
- When everyone gets a chance and nobody is left out.
- sharing
- Letting others use or have something along with you.
- compromise
- An agreement where each person gives a little so everyone is happy.
When Two People Want One Thing
Sometimes you and a friend both want the same thing at the same time, like the last crayon or the first turn on the slide. This is a common problem, and it can feel frustrating. The good news is there is a fair way to solve it. Instead of fighting or grabbing, you can take turns so that both of you get a chance to use what you want.
How Taking Turns Works
Taking turns means one person goes first, and then the other person goes next. Each person gets a real chance, and nobody is left out. If you are not sure who should go first, you can use a fair tool like a timer, counting to ten, or flipping a coin. These tools make sure no one decides unfairly, so both friends feel the result was equal.
Why Taking Turns Is Fair
Taking turns is fair because it treats everyone the same way. It is not about who is biggest, fastest, or loudest — every person gets an equal chance. When one person grabs everything, the other person feels left out and sad. But when friends take turns, both people get to play and both people feel happy, because the solution was fair to everyone.
Worked examples
You and a friend both want one jump rope.
- Notice that two people want the same single thing.
- Agree to take turns instead of grabbing it.
- One friend jumps first, then they swap so the other jumps.
Answer: Taking turns is the fair solution, because both friends get a chance to jump.
You cannot decide who goes first on the slide.
- Notice that both kids want to go first.
- Pick a fair tool, like flipping a coin or counting.
- Use the tool to decide first, then take turns after.
Answer: Flipping a coin and then taking turns is fair, since no one decides unfairly.
Activity
Sort each example into the right basket: Fair or Not Fair
Practice
Describe a fair way to decide who gets the first turn.
How does taking turns help both friends feel happy together?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Whoever is biggest should always go first.A fair rule gives everyone an equal chance, not just the biggest person.
- Seeing something first means keeping it forever.Seeing it first does not give you the right to keep it the whole time.
Check your understanding
Mia and Leo both want to use the one red ball at recess. What is the FAIREST thing to do?
Why does taking turns make things FAIR?
Jaylen thinks that whoever is biggest should always go first. Is that a fair rule?
Recap
When two people want the same thing, taking turns is a fair way to solve the problem because each person gets an equal chance and nobody is left out. Fair tools like timers or coin flips help decide who goes first, so both friends feel happy.
Reflect
When have you taken turns, and how did it make everyone feel?