Children who have difficulties with social interactions often have trouble interpreting social situations and responding appropriately. Social Stories™, developed by Carol Gray, help children understand the events and expectations in their lives.
The Head Start Center for Inclusion (HSCI) offers a library of one-page Social Stories™ that can be downloaded, printed out, and customized for immediate use. Teachers and parents may also use these as a template to write their own stories that meet a child’s individual needs.
What Is a Social Story?
A social story is a simple description of a situation, concept, or social skill. It is individualized for each child, and features the child as the main character. Social stories help explain situations that children find challenging.
Why Would I Use a Social Story?
A social story can support a child who is having difficulty with an activity, routine, or event. It can help them to understand it, step by step. Social stories can be about specific situations at school, home, or in the community.
How Do I Implement a Social Story?
When the child is calm and relaxed, read the story together. Stories may be read as often as a child requests. Teachers can organize a child’s social stories in plastic sheet protectors and keep them in a folder or three-ring binder. A child’s social stories should be kept within reach so they can easily be used.
- Asking for Help
- Eating at the Table
- Feeling Frustrated
- Getting My Turn to Talk in Class
- Getting Ready for School
- Listening to the Teacher
- Playing with Friends
- Playing Outside
- Staying Close When We Go Shopping
- Taking Turns at Circle
- Walking the Hallways
Last Updated: July 16, 2018