An invitation to play should leave room for no

Would you like a turn, or would you rather watch? gives the other person a real choice. Practise the invitation and response together, so welcoming someone does not become pressure to join immediately.

'Would you like a turn or prefer to watch?' preserves choice.

Offer a place without demanding participation

Offer an invitation once and watch for the person's response. Welcoming participation includes making observation or declining feel acceptable.

Model an invitation. Offer response choices. Reflect on the wording.

Declining is a valid response. Was the choice genuine?

Use invitation cards.

Resources

• Welcome to Our Game Cards — Use the invitation prompts to practise welcoming and respectful responses.

Further reading

• ACECQA — play, leisure and intentionality

Read next

• Help a newcomer ask about joining the activity
• A disputed game move may reveal a missing rule
• Explain a game so the newcomer can try the next turn

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