In preschool, many students know what they want to play, but fewer know how to invite someone to join them. That is where teaching shared play ideas becomes essential. When students can clearly express what they would like to do and invite others to join, it creates more collaborative and inclusive play experiences.

This activity guides students through the basics of sharing an idea with a peer and understanding how shared play plans unfold. It introduces conversation skills that are foundational to both communication and social development.

In this post, you will find:

• An overview of what the resource teaches
• A step-by-step lesson plan using the printable activity
• Modeling strategies and language prompts
• Tips for reinforcing the skill throughout the school day

“Sharing Play Ideas” Activity

This worksheet introduces students to three key components of sharing play ideas:

1. Idea Formation – identifying a personal interest or preference (such as “I want to jump rope”)
2. Initiation – expressing that idea to another person in a friendly, inviting way
3. Turn-Taking and Agreement – responding to the other person’s reaction and agreeing on a shared plan

These three steps are modeled through visuals and can be practiced through role-play and partner work. The activity also supports:

• Early literacy through word tracing
• Sequencing and comprehension through story panels
• Peer-to-peer communication and classroom collaboration

Lesson Plan: Sharing Play Ideas

Grade Level: Preschool

Duration: 20 to 30 minutes

Materials Needed:

• Printable Sharing Play Ideas worksheet

• Crayons or markers
• Glue sticks and scissors
• Puppets or toys for role-play

Step 1: Introduce the Concept (5 minutes)

Start by asking the class:

• “Have you ever wanted someone to play with you?”
• “What do you say when you have an idea for a game?”

Explain that when we have an idea, we can share it with a friend. That is how we make plans together. Emphasize that not all ideas will be picked, but it is important to ask and listen.

Introduce the vocabulary word: Idea

Write it on the board. Say: “An idea is something we think we want to try. In play, an idea could be a game, a toy, or a story we want to act out.”

Step 2: Tracing the Word “Ideas” (3 minutes)

Give each student a copy of the worksheet. Ask them to trace the word Ideas at the top. As they trace, reinforce: “This word reminds us what we are doing. We are thinking of play ideas and learning how to share them.”

This step provides a literacy tie-in and introduces the key theme visually.

Step 3: Sequencing the Story (10 minutes)

Use the three pictures on the worksheet to walk through a basic story:

1. One student shares an idea, such as “Let’s jump rope”
2. The other listens and agrees
3. Both play together, following the plan

Ask students:

• “Who had the idea in this story?”
• “What did they say to their friend?”
• “How did the other person respond?”

Have students cut and glue the pictures in order. If you are short on time, guide the class through sequencing verbally as you model it on the board.

As students work, walk around and prompt deeper thinking:

• “What else could Taylor have said to invite Frankie?”
• “What if Frankie wanted to do something different?”

Step 4: Whole Group Sharing (5 minutes)

Bring students together for a brief circle time. Ask: “What is one idea you like to play with others?”

Encourage simple responses:

• “I like playing trucks”
• “I want to build a tower”
• “I like kitchen play”

For each response, guide the group:

• “How could we invite someone to play that with us?”
• “What would you say to share your idea?”

Introduce a sentence frame and model it:

• “Let’s play ___ together.”
• “I have an idea. Do you want to ___?”

Display these sentence frames on a chart or poster for ongoing use.

Step 5: Role-Play Shared Play Plans (5 to 7 minutes)

Using puppets or toys, model a short interaction:

• One character suggests an idea
• The other listens and says yes
• They act it out together

Then reverse it:

• One character suggests an idea
• The other suggests something different
• They agree to try one first and the other next

After modeling, invite students to pair up and try sharing a play idea with a partner. Walk around and support with prompts:

• “Can you ask your partner what they want to play?”
• “Can you take turns sharing ideas?”

This real-time practice strengthens both verbal and social engagement.

Reinforcing Shared Play Ideas Throughout the Day

After teaching the concept once, look for natural places to reinforce it:

• During center time, prompt students to invite peers with a play idea
• At free play, support students in negotiating when they want to play different things
• In line or during transitions, ask “What’s one play idea you might try next?”
• On classroom walls, post the sentence starters or illustrations from the worksheet

You might also assign classroom roles like “Play Partner” or “Idea Buddy” during the week to encourage students to practice these skills with different classmates.

Celebrate effort, not just success: “I noticed you shared your idea and then listened to your friend’s idea. That helped you both play together.”

Building Confidence in Peer Communication

Learning to share play ideas helps preschoolers become more confident communicators and more collaborative classmates. With clear modeling, visual tools, and repeated practice, students begin to understand that play involves expressing ideas, listening to others, and planning together.

This lesson gives students a strong foundation for future communication skills such as turn-taking, compromise, and active listening. It also supports classroom routines that encourage participation, teamwork, and positive peer interaction.