The Foorce

For those of you not familiar, Carol Gray first defined social stories in 1991.  She states that a Social Story describes a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses in a specifically defined style and format. The goal of a Social Story is to share accurate social information in a patient and reassuring manner that is easily understood by its audience. Half of all Social Stories developed should affirm something that an individual does well. Although the goal of a Story should never be to change the individual’s behavior, that individual’s improved understanding of events and expectations may lead to more effective responses.

Little Tor Elementary School has this awesome web resource with downloadable social stories for many circumstances your child might run into during the school year. I can imagine reading through some of these with James and my 2 year old as she gets ready for preschool. They are fun, short, matter-of-fact stories to help children understand a wide variety of situations, including being in line first, lunch time,  needing a tissue, making friends, listening to the teacher, and my personal favorites, places to scream and “what I can lick.”

Click here to browse this useful and effective resource as another school year begins. Hopefully some of these stories will help make intimidating and confusing into fun and exciting!