Here are several more examples (the link is at the bottom of the list).
Bullying problems
Teachers
Showing your work for math equations
Tattling versus reporting bullying
Urinals
Asking for help
Being tolerant of people's differences
Feelings
Leaving the classroom
Friendly games on the playground
Raising your hand
Touching your body in public
Using the afterschool club room
Talking about death and killing people
Playing with words (saying silly things at inappropriate times)
FE Colleges
What does being independent mean?
Getting a road safety certificate
When new students come
Teasing each other about liking someone
or http://www.thepartnership-yh.org.uk/pages/viewpage.asp?uniqi d=62 (just lick on Social Stories - Leeds).
Here are some new examples of social stories (link at the bottom of this page). I've also added more to my list on page 1 in the past couple days.
I can't get out of bed (in the morning)
I like making noises with my body
Why I do hitting, nipping, squeezing and scratching
I get mad when I lose
I'm not sitting with her/him!
Nobody takes my things!
I like touching my body
Eating out with friends
When the psychologist comes
Source:
or http://www.thepartnership-yh.org.uk (and do a search on Kirklees Social Stories -- the second hit listed is the right one).
“Rules in School”
In school, there are rules for the students to obey.
Some rules are written to keep the students safe.
Some rules are written to help the children to be able to learn.
For instance, if the classroom is too noisy, students may have trouble listening and following directions.
So, the teacher must keep the room quiet.
If the children could read books or look at pictures instead of doing their class work, they would not learn to read or to do math well.
So, the teacher must make sure everyone does their class work.
If students were allowed to throw rocks at recess, someone could get hurt.
So, the teacher must make sure everyone is doing something safe.
Sometimes it is hard to obey the rules because I may really want to do something else.
But I know that the rules help children to be safe and to learn.
I will try to make sure that what I am doing is safe for me and the other kids.
I will try to make sure that what I am doing is not interrupting my learning or the other kids’ learning.
I know that I can obey the rules.
Then, I will be able to have fun with my friends.
Source: www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us/
I posted this under another topic today:
***
My son is 9 and has suddenly taken the initiative to be more independent in the kitchen. To keep him safe, I read up on kitchen safety for kids and wrote a social story with illustrations from the new movie "Ratatouille".
The place with the most extensive safety tips was the CDC. They give tips for various appliances, but at this point I was mainly interested in the microwave.
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000001-d000100/d000021/d000021 .html
And here's a kitchen safety quiz for kids:
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110321/quiz1.htm
Our social story book was in Norwegian, so he can read it himself instead of me just reading it aloud. But I made a quick translation. Here it is, with links to the pictures I used. Feel free to borrow it if you want.
Title: Watch out for the safety traps!
The kitchen is a cozy place, isn’t it?
http://www.cinempire.com/multimedia/ratatouille/photos/16.ht ml
But it’s also a dangerous place.
Just ask Remy.
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2007/06/will_ratatouill e_be_pixars_fir.html
Linguini needs Remy’s help to cook in a safe way.
I need help from a grown-up like Mom or Dad.
http://www.worstpreviews.com/ media.php?id=287&image=1&place=posters&place2=po ster
There are many sharp things in the kitchen, like knives.
Mom and Dad need to be with me when I use a knife.
I never touch the blade, only the handle.
http://www.disneyfrontier.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/_bl ogimages_luxo_RatatouillePoster.jpg
I never fall into the trap of cutting things right on the table or counter-top. I use a cutting board like Remy and Linguini.
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/photos/ratatouille.jpg
There are also hot things in the kitchen, like the stove.
That’s a big safety trap because it can cause fires.
I must never, ever turn the knobs or touch the stove.
http://www.moviereporter.net/slideshow/783/16858/
Sometimes I can see heat, like flames and steam.
But sometimes heat is invisible, like a hot cup.
I use a dry oven-mitt to pick up things that might be hot.
http://www.moviereporter.net/slideshow/783/16887/
If I get burned, I rinse the burn with cold water.
Oops, Remy, use lots of water -- not just a drop!
http://www.catsuka.com/interf/icons2/ratatouille_preview.jpg
Water on a burn is good, but water on the floor is dangerous.
It makes the floor slippery and people can fall and get hurt.
That’s why I always wipe up my spills.
http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/rat11.jpg
Rats take food without asking, but I talk to a grown-up when I want food.
http://drasticgraphics.com/images/ratatouille_3.jpg
When I want something hot to eat,
I can ask a grown-up if I can use the microwave.
Only kids who can read get to do that.
Emil the Rat can’t use the microwave, because he can’t read.
But I can!
http://www.cinempire.com/multimedia/ratatouille/photos/14.ht ml
Only food and our regular plates go in the microwave,
never forks or other things made of metal.
http://www.cinempire.com/multimedia/ratatouille/photos/22.ht ml
The start button can be a safety trap, too. I never push it without food in the microwave because then the whole thing might get wrecked. If Linguini made that mistake, Skinner would be very, very mad!
http://www.moviereporter.net/slideshow/783/16890/
I never leave the kitchen while I’m cooking – talk about a safety mistake! I watch and listen to the food while I wait.
http://www.cinempire.com/multimedia/ratatouille/photos/26.ht ml
If I hear a pop-sound and I’m not making popcorn,
then I know that the food exploded with heat.
http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/04/06/popcorn-a- symposium/
http://www.moviereporter.net/slideshow/783/16892/
If that happens, I push the stop button and ask a grown-up for help.
picture of our microwave control panel plus
http://www.moviereporter.net/fotos/783/Ratatouille_54.jpg
I can sprinkle on spices all by myself.
Instead of dumping, I shake the spice jar carefully.
http://www.simonsays.com/assets/isbn/079441284X/C_079441284X .jpg
And here’s one last safety trap – cooking with dirty hands.
Nobody wants to eat food with dirt and germs in it.
I always wash my hands before I make something to eat.
http://www.moviereporter.net/slideshow/783/16898/
Bon appetit!
http://www.moviereporter.net/slideshow/783/16903/
Here's a back to school social story suggestion from Autism Today:
Write a social story. Here are a few suggestions to add to your story:
Vacation is so much fun. I really enjoy going to ____________
School begins on __________
I am going to ____________ grade.
My teacher knows all about me and can't wait to meet me. Her name is _____________
I might know some friends in my class but I will also make new friends.
I can't wait for ___________ (library, gym, reading... whatever your child enjoys)
It's good to go to school because I get to learn and play with my friends.
Source: commercial e-mail from news@autismtoday.com
Here's another link to several social stories -
http://www.slatersoftware.com/document.html
I noticed it has a couple that I haven't found anywhere else - about Mom and/or Dad being a soldier. Given we've got some military families on the board, I thought worth checking out.
In addition to social stories, there's a wealth of information on various school topics, and some excellent picture recipes for the budding cooks I know some of our children are!
AnamCara...Thank you!! My hubby will be deploying to Afganastan early next year so the one about Daddy being a soldier will come in handy!!
Karrie
Spectrummum belongs to an MSN Group that has the following social stories in its online directory:
Dentist
Bathtime
Getting a hair cut
Going to the toilet
Shoe laces
Losing a loved one
When I don't understand
Tone of voice
Getting dressed
Please contact Spectrummum by Private Messenger and specify which social story you want, and include your child's first name and age (for personalization purposes).
She also has other social stories not listed above and may be willing to write a story for you. Please contact her by Private Messenger with any questions you have.
WOW What a gold mine of social stories!! Thank you
I use Internet Explorer, and just choose Favorites, Add to Favorites. I've saved old topics and have no problems accessing them.
Otherwise, it's possible to use the search button at the top of the screen and search for the topic name "Sample Social Stories."
DUMB question - how can I 'save' this thread to refer to it?
Here's a sample social story journal, for the child to keep track of the social stories he reads and how he feels about it:
Here are some social stories with sound and images that require Smart Board software. I don't have this software, so I wasn't able to view them myself. Topics are:
Chewing gum
Turning off the lights
Getting in line
Making my bed
Recess
Vacuum cleaner
Plus two other stories with an unspecified topic. Here's the link:
http://www.willoughby-eastlake.k12.oh.us/classroom/technolog y/autism_and_more.htm
If you are looking for Social Stories, please come join us at Yahoo Groups! Social Stories
Here's my social story for dog bite prevention. I'm using it to teach my kids what to leave a dog alone, how to act around a dog, and how to pat a dog. I used it for the first time last night, and we discussed each page during the first reading, then paged through the book again and give them each a turn to try and remember the rules. They learned very quickly.
My social story uses Scooby Doo characters as the narrators -- there's no reason why a social story can't be fun (okay, it's not an official social story with official ratio of descriptive sentence types, etc.).
I used images of real-life dogs that I found (using google), but anyone borrowing this story could use pictures of dogs that your child knows.
Here's the story:
***
Title: Our four-legged friends
http://www.ladybird.co.uk/favouriteCharacters/images/scoobyD oo/scooby.gif
"Like, I love dogs, especially my best friend Scooby here. To be a good friend to dogs, one thing you gotta know is when to leave 'em alone. Isn't that right, Scoob?"
http://clampettstudio.com/images/opc/june2003/12-RC2354-Scoo by-Shaggy.jpg
"Ready to learn the rules?" "Rou ret!"
http://www.amazon.com/Scooby-doos-Guide-School-Scooby-Doo-Ho wie/dp/0439438179/ref=sr_1_57/104-5219620-8195900?ie=UTF8&am p;am p;s=books&qid=1188227209&sr=1-57
If a dog is tied up,
stay away, don't walk up.
http://www.contrinotravel.com/images/pooch.jpg
If a dog has a bone,
you should leave him alone
http://www.askthemeatman.com/images/golden_retriever_chewing _bone.jpg
If a dog has a snack,
don't come close
Just step back.
http://www.savvy-dog-lovers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads /2006/12/dog-food.jpg
If the dog is asleep, wait till later to greet.
http://joi.ito.com/images2/sleepybo.jpg
Puppies need their mom to snuggle.
Don't disturb or there'll be trouble.
http://www.siberianhuskies.net/husky_may.html
"Like, why do dogs run, Scoob?"
"Ronsters?"
http://www.thecinemasource.com/movies/reviews/Scooby-Doo-Whe re-Are-You-The-Complete-3rd-Season-DVD-review-2954-0.html
"No, silly. Dogs often run and bark in reaction to what we do. Here are some tips about how to act around dogs."
http://www.scoobyfrench.homestead.com/files/Velma_Clue.JPG
Be quiet, don't shout --
noise freaks a dog out.
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/1054/75026059.JPG
Calm and slow
is the way to go!
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/91/46/23464691 .jpg
Don't look in a dog's eye
when you walk by.
Just look at your shoe
as you pass through.
http://starbulletin.com/2001/07/24/features/artb.jpg
If unsure of a dog, be a tree or a log
http://www.loveyourdog.com/images/katelyntree.jpg
http://www.loveyourdog.com/images/katelynstone.jpg
"I love to pat dogs and give them Scooby Snacks, but I always follow the rules.
Do you know the rules, Fred?"
http://www.pyramidposters.com/catalogue/post-cards/film-tv-p ersonalities/PC9482_SCOOBY%20DOO!%20-%20DAPHNE%20(SCOOBY%20S NACK)
"Of course, Daphne. Rule number one is to get permission."
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/8/80/250 px-Daphne_fred_wnsd.jpg
To pat a dog or pup, first ask a grown-up.
http://pawlitepups.com/db5/00415/pawlitepups.com/_uimages/le no008.jpg
Dogs sniff to understand,
so show them your hand.
http://www.kintala.com.au/girl.jpg
Pat their chin, shoulders or chest.
That's safest and best!
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/44/98/23499844 .jpg
But keep your cute face, out of their space!
http://www.topnotchdog.com/childrenAndDogs.asp
A dog's not a toy. Never tease or annoy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42126000/jpg/_42126494_do g_ap_416.jpg
Just act like a friend, for fun without end !
http://gooddogideas.com/gdi-img/010207.jpg
Rooby rooby roo!
http://www.redkid.net/generator/scooby/scooby.jpg
Scooby Doo hereby grants a gold medal in doggy friendship skills to _______ (name). Congratulations on mastering the rules for when to leave a dog alone
how to act around a dog and how to pat a dog.
http://www.animatedbliss.com/FORUM/uploads/joshualane/228_la ff-a-lympics.jpg
Adapted from:
http://www.dogsafety.org.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Kids-Dog-S afety-Tips-for-Kids-Index!OpenDocument
http://www.kidsanddogs.org/kadierhymes.pdf
Today I happened upon Attainment Company, "publishers of products for people with special needs." They had several product samples which might be useful for those of us with older children:
Social stories for teens
Today I happened upon a book of social stories for teens. They have grown-up looking visuals on each page, cover situations relevant to teen life, but are written for kids who have trouble with reading comprehension. The stories don't have the true social story format, but are to be used more as a springboard for instruction. This can actually be a plus, since some teens might balk at being told what to do.
Here's the link to the first three pages of a six page story called "Try Your Best." The link also shows the Table of Contents with the other story titles.
http://attainment.modwest.com/pdfs/bookSamples/SSR_Student_S ample.pdf
Video social stories about school.
Here are some video social stories for upper elementary/middle school, clips from a DVD called "Know the Code." The clips "Meeting someone new", "standing in line", and "class jobs" can be used as role models and a springboard for discussion. The other two clips, "introduction" and "Tameka and the bully" show the problem rather than the solution.
http://www.attainmentcompany.com/xcart/product.php?productid =16474&cat=296&page=1
Social story about cleanliness
The following social story about bathing and shampooing is written in simple language in addition to PECS-type symbols.
http://www.attainmentcompany.com/pdfs/bookSamples/HGD_Sample .pdf
I have to dash off to a meeting at the school, but may find more at their website to add to this list later.
Visual checklists about going places.
These visuals can be used like social stories to explain what's expected and what's not appropriate when packing before an outing or trip, eating away from home (Table manners, dinner invitation) and money matters (staying safe, going to the bank, dealing with cash).
http://www.attainmentcompany.com/pdfs/bookSamples/CSuccess_S ample.pdf
Help with the morning routine:
Here's a link to sample pages from the book "Social Standards at School." Each page has a short pre-made self-talk story (social story) and self-monitoring checklist, plus room for personal additions. Subjects covered are: getting ready for school, walking to school, waiting for the bus, riding the bus and arriving by car.
http://attainmentcompany.com/pdfs/bookSamples/SSS_Sample.pdf
More social stories for teens/young adults:
The two samples from the book "Connections in the Work Place". They cover getting dressed for work and getting dressed for a social event.
http://www.attainmentcompany.com/pdfs/bookSamples/Connect_St u_Sample.pdf
Video social stories of life skills:
Excerpts from the "Mary on the Move" series of DVDs about life skills. Includes looking good (washing up and brushing teeth), keeping house, select a meal, plan your day, shopping smart and home cooking.
http://www.attainmentcompany.com/xcart/product.php?productid =16316&cat=304&page=2
Here's a separate list of all the social stories connected with dental health:
Dentist:
http://www.fraser.org/products/CDs.html - sample video from My Healthy Smile
http://dentistry.about.com/od/childrensdentistry/ig/Dentist- Appointment-Photos/index.htm - photo gallery of dentist pictures, with captions rather than social story text.
http://www.jambav.com/modules/makale/makale.php?id=6 - To access the story:
1) Go to the above webpage and click on "Ready for our stories?" at the bottom of the page.
2) You should then see an image of 3 bookshelves. Click on the title you want, and its image will show up on the bottom shelf. Click on that image to start the story.
3) You can get back to the bookshelves at any time by clicking on the menu tab, and then choosing "Select."
Brushing (and flossing):
http://www.colgate.com/app/Kids-World/US/Game_Coolmoves.cvsp - kid-friendly video showing how to brush and floss.
http://www.educ.ttu.edu/EDSP/burkhartproject/ModuleThree/Dif ferent_Approaches/Social_Stories.htm
http://www.curearchives.com/Advice-needed.t3060-8.html
http://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/autistic/Social%20Stories/Pages/br ushing_my_teeth.htm
http://www.polyxo.com/socialstories/ss0005.html
http://www.slatersoftware.com/BrushingTeethSocialStory.pdf - with PECS symbols.
Here I've consolidated all the bus-related social stories listed elsewhere on this topic:
www.maapservices.org/Maap_Archive_Articles/SocialChallenges. pdf - a different bus (ca. page 56)
http://www.autism-india.org/dec99.html - bus
http://judyanddavid.com/cha/strategies/socstory.html - school bus
http://www.oreilly.com/medical/autism/news/social_skills.htm l - James is a good bus rider.
http://www.focus-ga.org/newsletter_2005.htm - being a good bus rider.
http://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/autistic/Social%20Stories/Pages/i_ take_the_bus_to_school_almost_.htm - bus evacuation drill
Social Story to School and to Home was written for a child with autism to help teach him safety rules and what to expect before, during and after his bus ride to school.
http://attainmentcompany.com/pdfs/bookSamples/SSS_Sample.pdf - short pre-made self-talk story (social story) and self-monitoring checklist, plus room for personal additions. Subjects covered include waiting for the bus and riding the bus.
http://www.ceo.woll.catholic.edu.au/home/jdavies/autism/soci al/assets/bus.pdf - riding the school bus.
The current issue of Positively Autism (a free online newsletter) is devoted to social stories. Here's the link:
http://www.positivelyautism.com/volume2issue8/index.html
Thanks!Here I've consolidated all the social stories about bedtime:
Sample social stories:
http://billandaddie.blogspot.com/search?q=Bedtime+social+story - bedtime
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/stateschools/PDF/ParentFocus(De c05).pdf - bedtime
http://www.autism-india.org/dec99.html - going to bed
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=528&a=3376 - "time for bed" (under the paragraph headed "Explaining sleep").
http://www.mhkc.org/media/doc1/Autism%20Social%20Stories/FEE LING%20SAFE%20IN%20BED%20AT%20NIGHT.PDF - feeling safe in bed at night at camp.
Thanks for posting those social stories, Nicole. I'm not a stickler to the social story rules myself, and it's just so great to get ideas and inspiration from stories written by you and others, when I sit down to write my own.
If anyone else has some social stories to share, by all means post them here.
Oh, this is perfect! I needed a sub teacher story. Thank you.
mama to Sam 8 yrs PD NOS OCD ODD PPD and Alex 2 yrs
Social Stories for Having a Substitute Teacher
Here are some stories I wrote for my school about having a substitute teacher. They don't follow the official social stories format exactly, but I hope they will be helpful. I made them fairly general so that they could work in a variety of classrooms.
For elementary age students (one story for having a sub tomorrow and one for having a Sub on Monday):
Having a Substitute Teacher
Tomorrow our class will have a substitute teacher.
This means that a different person will be the teacher for the day.
Sometimes your teacher will not be at school. Your teacher might be sick or need to go to a meeting.
It is okay to feel nervous, but the substitute teacher will be nice and help you with your work.
Your regular teacher will be back soon.
Having a Substitute Teacher
On Monday our class will have a substitute teacher.
This means that a different person will be the teacher for the day.
Sometimes your teacher will not be at school. Your teacher might be sick or need to go to a meeting.
It is okay to feel nervous, but the substitute teacher will be nice and help you with your work.
Your regular teacher will be back soon.
For students in upper grades (teacher can fill in blanks if known):
Having a Substitute Teacher
Our class will have a substitute teacher on ________________________________________.
_________________________ will be away from school to go to an important meeting or appointment.
Your substitute teacher will be ___________________________________. This substitute teacher will help teach your class and will help you with your work.
Your teacher will be back on __________________________________________.
Sometimes your teacher will be absent unexpectedly. If this happens, you will also have a substitute teacher and your regular teacher will be back soon.
Here is the link to another social story about this topic: http://www.expresstrain.org/lyrics.pdf (scroll down to the story called "New Teacher Today")
Take care,
Nicole
Free Autism Resources and Printable Activities for Parents and Teachers! ~ http://www.PositivelyAutism.com/
Here are all the hair cut stories gathered in one place:
http://sam26847.tripod.com/index.html - simple story
http://www.aspect.org.au/publications/ksummer07/ksummer07.pd f - Getting my hair cut (with illustrations)
http://www.autism-india.org/dec99.html - Getting a hair cut
http://attainmentcompany.com/pdfs/bookSamples/LSR_Sample.pdf - barber/hair cut (with photos)
http://www.jambav.com/modules/makale/makale.php?id=6 - animated. To access the story, click on "Ready for our stories?" at the bottom of the page. You should then see an image of 3 bookshelves. Click on the title you want, and its image will show up on the bottom shelf. Click on that image to start the story.
http://www.tautoko.org.nz/Haircut%20For%20Jane.htm - Jane can get her hair cut safely (with clip art illustrations)
If any of the links don't work, remove any blank spaces from the address and try again. If it still doesn't work, let me know.
This week is winter break, and my goal is to focus on jigsaw puzzle skills. I wrote a social story on it. I've included a couple images, but if you want more you can find almost 2,000 puzzle related images at this link:
http://www.inmagine.com/searchterms/puzzle.html
Here's my social story about puzzles:
It's fun to put together jigsaw puzzles.
I start by flipping the pieces so I can see the colorful side.
http://www.inmagine.com/paa188/paa188000030-photo
Next I sort out the edge pieces.
I know the difference between edge pieces, corner pieces and middle pieces.
That's a great thing to know!
Edge piece
http://imgs13.stockmediaserver.com/th170/Tetra/ti0121538.jpg
Corner piece http://www.inmagine.com/iz153/iz153016-photo
Middle piece
http://www.absolutestockphoto.com/images/userpics/10054/thum b_Absolute_54_5808.jpg
It's a good idea to put together the top or bottom edge first.
I can check the picture on the box to see what color those pieces tend to be.
Sometimes the top of the picture shows the sky.
Then I can look for edge pieces that are blue like the sky!
When I put the puzzle together, I look at the shape of the piece.
I also look at the picture on it.
I try to match it to other pieces that show almost the same thing.
I turn the piece and try it different ways.
If it seems to fit, I can ask myself, "does it look right?"
If it doesn't look right, I try again.
Sometimes nothing seems to work.
I might feel frustrated. That's okay.
I just put the piece down for now and try another one.
I can also look for mistakes.
Maybe another piece is in the spot I'm looking for.
When I'm done with my puzzle, I feel so proud!
I can show a friend or grown-up my puzzle.
Then I take it apart and put it back in the box or bag.
That way the puzzle is ready for next time I want to build!
The following website contains social story-like slideshows, with lots of kid-friendly pictures. At the present date, the slideshows include birthdays, dentist, doctor, haircut, airplane, restaurant, school, and grocery store.
Most are available to play online or to download free. When you play online, it does take awhile to load and it doesn't always look like anything is happening while you load, so be patient.
http://www.hiyah.net/software.html
The social stories at Speaking of Speech have been moved to a new "Social Skills Materials" section under "Materials Exchange" section. They all have illustrations as far as I know. Link here:
http://www.speakingofspeech.com/Social_Skills_Pragmatics.htm l
As of today, the stories include:
Proxemics (personal space at the teen level)
Choices and have to do's
No potty words
Going to McDonalds
No middle finger
Social kiss
Nose picking is gross
Going to a new school
Behaving respectfully
Raising hand
Quiet mouth
Homework
Hands to myself
Tantrums don't help
Feeling happy
Feeling sad
Hula hoop space (personal boundaries)
Found lots and lots of social-story like pages at LinguiSystems today. They have sets of 5 books for the primary, intermediate (preteen/middle school) and adolescent level. All have illustrations, and the adolescent ones are simple enough that they could be used by many younger kids.
I didn't have time to index all the samples for the intermediate and adolescent levels, but all the primary level samples are listed below along with a few from the other two levels.
PRIMARY LEVEL