Social stories are individualized short stories about a social situation that children may encounter at any time. They use words and/or images to explain interactions, behaviors, and social skills. Social Stories are not just for younger students; they can be useful for all ages, including teenagers. The teenage years can be complicated, and are full of adult-type situations mixed with the awkwardness of still being an adolescent; social stories can be a great way to help teens navigate these situations through engaging with social and emotional learning activities and SEL games.
Disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder, Mood Disorders, and learning disabilities can impede a child’s decision making skills and ability to accurately perceive situations, empathize with others, and regulate behavior. These deficits make it difficult for children to learn appropriate behavior. Students who face these challenges benefit from direct instruction in social skills and topics like peer pressure. Social stories are just one of many components of a social skills curriculum for helping these students prepare for specific situations and to reinforce positive behavior.
Social Stories Resources
Ready-Made Social Stories to Use Today!
Our ready-made social stories for preschoolers and beyond are the perfect way for teachers and students to tackle any situation together. Simply display or print out our examples as is, or customize and personalize them for your students.
- COVID Vaccine Social Story
- Nighttime Routine Social Story
- Divorce Social Story
- Dismissal Change Social Story
- Trick or Treat Social Story
- Fire Drill Social Story
- New Sibling Social Story
- Asking to Play Social Story
- Dentist Social Story
- Answering The Door Social Story
- Washing Hands Social Story
- Power Outage Social Story
- Job Interview Social Story
- How to Wash Dishes Social Story
- How to Make Cereal Social Story
- Taking Turns Social Story
- Peer Pressure Social Story
- Asking for Help Social Story
- How to Share Social Story
- Moving Social Story
Activities for Students!
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How Tos about Social Stories with Storyboard That
How to create personalized social stories for your students
Identify situations where students need support, such as transitions or challenging social interactions. Start by observing behaviors and noting common triggers for your class.
Gather information about your student's needs
Communicate with families, specialists, and the student to understand unique concerns and preferred communication styles. This helps you tailor the story to the individual.
Choose clear, simple language and visuals
Use age-appropriate words and visuals that reflect your student's environment. Keep sentences short and direct for easier comprehension.
Include positive actions and solutions
Highlight what the student can do in the situation and model desired behaviors. Focus on achievable steps to build confidence.
Review and revise with the student
Share the story and invite feedback. Make adjustments together to ensure the story feels relevant and supportive for your student.
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Stories with Storyboard That
What are social stories and how do they help students?
Social stories are short, personalized stories that teach children about social situations, interactions, and appropriate behaviors. They help students—especially those with disabilities—understand expectations, improve social skills, and navigate challenging scenarios.
How can teachers use ready-made social stories in the classroom?
Teachers can easily display, print, or customize ready-made social stories to fit their students' needs. These resources provide quick support for teaching social skills, routines, and coping strategies during lessons or in response to specific events.
Which students benefit most from social stories?
Social stories are especially helpful for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, mood or conduct disorders, and other learning disabilities. They also support any child who needs guidance on social interactions or emotional regulation.
Can social stories be used with teenagers and older students?
Yes! Social stories are effective for all ages, including teens. They help adolescents navigate complex situations, peer pressure, and emotional challenges by providing relatable examples and practical strategies.
Where can I find examples of social stories for different situations?
You can access a variety of ready-made social stories for scenarios like COVID vaccines, routines, peer pressure, and more on our website. These examples are designed for quick use and can be customized for your classroom needs.
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