Teaching families how to use social stories is an important topic for me. Social stories are short, simple books that clearly show a child what to do, when to do it, and why it matters in everyday situations. This guide explains what social stories are, when they help, how they work, and exactly how you can make your own. I will also include two complete examples you can use today: one for sharing and one for holding hands in a parking lot.

What Is a Social Story?

A social story is:

A short, child-friendly story that describes a situation the child will face.
Written mostly in positive, clear sentences that tell the child what to do.
Paired with simple pictures that match each sentence.
Read before the situation happens, and then again right before or during the routine when needed.

Goal: Reduce stress and increase success by making expectations predictable.

When Are Social Stories Helpful?

Use a social story when a child:

Is unsure what to do in a routine (for example, lining up, washing hands, packing up).
Has big feelings about a change (for example, new babysitter, doctor visit, starting a new class).
Needs clear steps for social skills (for example, sharing, waiting, taking turns, greeting others).
Needs safety reminders (for example, staying with an adult in public, wearing a seatbelt).

How Do Social Stories Help?

Social stories help because they:

Prepare the brain: Children know what is coming next, which lowers anxiety.
Teach one clear plan: The story shows exactly what to do, step by step.
Use visuals: Pictures support understanding and memory.
Practice success: Repeating the story builds confidence and carryover.

Why Do Social Stories Work?

Children learn best with clear, consistent, concrete information.
Visuals stay the same every time, which increases predictability.
First-person language (“I can hold hands in the parking lot”) encourages ownership.
Positive wording tells the child what to do, not only what to avoid.

How To Make Your Own Social Story (Step by Step)

Step 1: Choose one goal

Pick one behavior or routine.
Make it specific and short.
- Example: “Hold hands in the parking lot.”
- Not: “Be safe everywhere.”

Step 2: Gather pictures

Use one picture per sentence. Options:

Your own photos: Take quick pictures of the real places, people, and items.
Free image sources: Search for simple, child-friendly images on royalty-free sites (for example, “free clip art children holding hands”).
Drawings: Stick figures or simple drawings are perfect.
Symbols: Boardmaker-style symbols or other visual supports if you already use them.

Tip: Keep pictures simple, bright, and uncluttered.

Step 3: Write the story with three sentence types

Descriptive sentences (what happens):
- “Parking lots have cars that move.”
Directive sentences (what to do):
- “I hold an adult’s hand in the parking lot.”
Perspective or affirmative sentences (feelings or reasons):
- “Adults feel proud when I stay close.”

Use mostly descriptive and affirmative sentences. Add short directives for the action steps.

Step 4: Use child-friendly language

Short sentences (5–10 words).
Present tense or simple future.
First person (“I”) whenever possible.
Positive wording: say what to do.

Step 5: Organize pages

6–10 pages is enough for most preschoolers.
One picture + one sentence per page (or two very short sentences).
Start with what the situation is, then the expectation, then the “why,” then the steps, then the success message.

Step 6: Print or display

Print on half-pages or full pages and staple into a small book.
Or save as a phone album or slide deck so you can swipe through.

Step 7: Read and practice

Read once a day for 3–5 days before you need it.
Read again right before the situation.
Praise any small success: “You held my hand. That was safe.”

Step 8: Review and adjust

If it is too long, shorten it.
If a step is unclear, add a photo of the exact step.
Keep the same wording for at least one week to build consistency.

Two Complete Social Story Examples

You may copy, paste, print, and add your own photos to these. Keep one sentence per page with a matching picture.

A) Sharing Toys With a Friend

“Sometimes I play with toys with a friend.”
“We both like the same toys.”
“We can take turns.”
“When my friend has the toy, I can wait.”
“Waiting can be hard. I can hold a fidget or count to five.”
“I can ask, ‘Can I have a turn?’”
“My friend can say ‘yes’ or ‘in a minute.’”
“While I wait, I can play with another toy.”
“When it is my turn, I take the toy gently.”
“I say, ‘Thank you.’”
“When I share and take turns, play stays fun.”
“I can share. I can take turns.”

Parent coaching script while reading:

“We can take turns. You can hold this blue car while you wait. Then it will be your turn.”

In-the-moment prompt:

“Ask, ‘Can I have a turn?’ Let us count to five while we wait.”

Praise:

“You waited and then took the toy gently. That kept play fun.”

B) Holding Hands in a Parking Lot

“Parking lots have many cars that move.”
“Cars can be hard to see. Staying close keeps me safe.”
“Before we walk, I find my adult.”
“I hold hands with my adult.”
“I keep my body and feet next to my adult.”
“If my hand slips, I stop and hold hands again.”
“When we cross, I walk, not run.”
“When we reach the sidewalk, I can let go.”
“Holding hands keeps me safe. Adults feel proud when I stay close.”
“I can hold hands in the parking lot.”

Parent coaching script while reading:

“First we find hands. Then we walk. When we reach the sidewalk, we let go.”

In-the-moment prompt:

“Hands please.”
“Stop. Find my hand. Thank you for holding hands.”

Praise:

“You held my hand the whole time. That was very safe.”

How To Read Social Stories With Your Child

Set the stage: Choose a calm time. Sit close. Keep it brief.
Read daily: One to two times a day for a few days.
Rehearse: Practice the steps after reading (for example, pretend to hold hands and walk to the door).
Use before the event: Read again right before the target routine.
Coach, not quiz: Give short prompts (“Hands please”) rather than many questions.
Praise: Celebrate small steps.

Where To Find Pictures and Tools

Your phone camera: Take photos of your child, your car, your parking lot, your kitchen, and your classroom entry. Real images increase understanding.
Free clip art or photo sites: Search for simple drawings or photos that match each sentence.
Drawing apps or paper: Quick stick figures are fine.
Printing: Regular printer paper, half-sheet pages, or index cards.
Binding: Staple, hole-punch with a ring, or place pages in a small photo album.
Digital option: Make a short slide deck on your phone or tablet so you can swipe through in the car.

Writing Checklist (Use This Every Time)

☐ One clear goal
☐ 6–10 pages
☐ One short sentence per page
☐ First-person voice (“I…”)
☐ Positive wording (what to do)
☐ Realistic pictures
☐ Read daily, then before the event
☐ Prompt briefly and praise

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Problem: My child ignores the story.
Try: Shorten to 5–6 pages. Use photos of your child. Read at snack time.

Problem: My child still resists in the moment.
Try: Add one “If… then…” page.

Example: “If I feel mad, I can squeeze my fidget. Then I try again.”

Problem: The story feels too babyish.
Try: Use real photos, fewer words, and “helper language.”

Example: “I am a safety helper. I hold hands.”

Problem: Too many goals at once.
Try: Make separate stories for each goal (sharing, greeting, bathroom, bedtime).

Quick Template You Can Copy

“Sometimes, [describe the situation].”
“[Why it matters / what others do].”
“When it is time, I [first step].”
“Then I [second step].”
“If [common problem], I can [calm strategy].”
“When I [target behavior], [positive outcome/feeling].”
“I can [target behavior].”

Final Tips

Keep it short, positive, and consistent.
Read when your child is calm, then use a brief prompt during the real event.
Praise immediately after any step in the right direction.

You are the expert on your child. With a clear plan and simple visuals, social stories can turn stressful moments into predictable, successful routines.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.