Curriculum Corner
What Is a Social Story?
A social story is a short, simple story that helps children understand social situations and expectations. Written in a positive and supportive way, social stories explain what is happening, how people may feel, and what a child can do, helping to reduce uncertainty and build confidence - especially during changes or challenging situations.
When Can a Social Story Be Written?
A social story can be written at home:
Before a new or unfamiliar experience such as starting school, visiting a new place, having a playdate, or changes to daily routines
To help learn a new skill like sharing with siblings, taking turns, using kind words, or asking for help
After a tricky situation to gently talk about what happened and practise what might help next time
During times of change or transition such as moving house, welcoming a new sibling, changes in family routines, or big emotions at home
Social stories work best when they are read before the situation happens, during calm moments, and revisited regularly to build confidence and understanding.
How Can a Social Story Be Made?
Social stories should be:
Short and focused on one situation
Written in positive, simple language
Personalised using the child’s name and familiar settings
They can be created using a variety of platforms, including:
Paper and pencil – Handwritten stories with drawings or photos
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Google Slides or Canva – One sentence and one image per slide for visual learners
Social stories are a simple and effective way to support children’s social and emotional development at home and at school. If you would like support creating a social story for your child, please speak with your Emma White or Mary Tierney Dusenberg.
Check out some examples here: https://autismlittlelearners.com/social-stories-for-home/
