Understanding Social Stories: A Guide
Have you incorporated social stories into your teaching method?
Social stories are straightforward narratives that delve into frequent classroom situations. They offer clarity on a situation, potential emotional responses, self-guiding strategies, and desired behaviors. Over my two decades of teaching, I’ve found them invaluable for younger pupils, children with autism, or those who grapple with self-regulation.
Navigating the intricate social waters of a classroom can be daunting for many kids. Daily transitions and social interactions can evoke intense emotions. But social stories empower kids to comprehend, practice, and exhibit proper social behavior.
Allocating Time: What’s Needed?
When the academic year commences, I zero in on relevant themes like fire drills, hallway behavior, or restroom etiquette. Our focus shifts weekly, dedicating a few moments daily to reflect on the subject.
A typical weekly breakdown (around 20 minutes each day) looks like:
- Monday: Launch a fresh topic with a set script and read its corresponding social story. Delve into its core concepts and hand out miniature booklets for students to craft.
- Tuesday: Revisit the tale referencing visual aids. Have students engage in journaling or a related writing activity.
- Wednesday: Read or act out a relevant short play on the subject or indulge in role-playing.
- Thursday: Open the floor to discussions. Explore real-life instances where students utilized the strategies gleaned from the stories. Execute an activity that involves discerning good choices.
- Friday: Conclude with a fun review. Integrate tools like board games or flip-books. Students can compile their work to share at home.
Which Themes Should You Explore?
Your themes should mirror real-life classroom experiences. If you encounter a challenge or see students struggling, jot it down to craft a social story later.
Some topics I’ve tackled include:
- Calming techniques, assertiveness, fire drills, raising hands patiently, quick clean-ups, non-interruption, managing game losses, indoor voice discipline, embracing mistakes, flexibility, safeguarding belongings, maintaining personal space, concentration, perseverance, sharing, conflict resolution, hallway behavior, problem-solving, good manners, playground rules, participation, inclusivity, giving your best, seamless transitions, patience, dealing with substitute teachers, quiet lining up, hygiene, kindness, apologies, respecting diverse backgrounds, and spelling strategies.
Crafting Your Stories: Where to Begin?
Embarking on your own social story creation can be straightforward:
- Pinpoint pressing social challenges in your classroom.
- Document the issue and involve students in discussions to flesh out details.
- Validate emotions but steer towards expected behavior, explaining the rationale.
- Transform your findings into a relatable “story”. For instance: “In the hallway, it might be tempting to shout. But it’s pivotal to be silent to avoid disturbing others. Self-talk can be a useful tool. Being quiet is appreciated by all.”
- Create posters or individual books, enlisting students for illustrations.
Post-Story Activities: How to Further the Impact
After introducing a story, dedicate a week (roughly 20 minutes daily) to discussions, sharing, and related tasks. Here are a few reinforcing activity ideas:
- Partner Plays: Narratives from real classroom events.
- Discussion Cards: For quick, impromptu class talks.
- Desk Strips: Individual social story reminders.
- Read and Sort: Distinguishing good from not-so-good behaviors.
- Printing: Poster creation for younger students.
- Reference Posters: For easy access and referral.
- Journal Prompts: For personal reflections.
- Reward Coupons: Celebrating good choices.
- Reminder Watches: Wearable reminders of the social skills.
- Game Boards: Engaging and insightful board games.
In summary, social stories are a dynamic tool in shaping a harmonious and understanding classroom environment.
