Social Stories

Little Roots Pocket Guide

Social Stories

Social stories are designed to be downloaded, printed, and used in classrooms or at home. They help children understand social situations, routines, and expectations while supporting communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. When used consistently, social stories make learning predictable, meaningful, and engaging.

Social stories are short, illustrated narratives that guide children through specific situations, helping them understand what to expect and how to respond. This section provides stories that address daily routines, social interactions, coping strategies, and emotional regulation. They can be used to teach new skills, reinforce expectations, or support children in navigating challenging situations. When read regularly and referenced in real-life contexts, social stories encourage children to anticipate events, practice self-regulation, and make positive choices.

To use these materials, first download the stories and save them in an accessible folder. Print them on standard or high-quality paper for durability. Laminating the pages is recommended so they can be reused repeatedly without damage. Place the printed social stories in areas where children can reference them independently or with adult guidance, such as classroom corners, calm-down spaces, or home learning areas. Encourage children to follow along with the story, reference it during relevant situations, and practice the behaviors or routines illustrated.

Consistency and repetition are key to maximizing the impact of social stories. Refer to the stories during routines, transitions, or social situations so children can connect the story to real-life experiences. Update or rotate stories as children’s needs, routines, or developmental goals change. Pair the stories with verbal guidance, discussion, and modeling to enhance understanding and engagement, especially for younger children or those requiring additional support.

Members will have access to the following:

🔹School and Learning Routines

  • Back to school

  • Going to kindergarten

  • Taking the bus to school

  • Fire drills

  • Transitions between activities

  • Changes to the day are okay

  • Summer vacation

  • Winter break

🔹Feelings and Self-Regulation

  • I can share my feelings

  • Separation anxiety

  • Being angry and calming down

  • How to calm my body

  • Deep breathing

  • Using a calming corner

  • It is too loud — what can I do?

  • Wearing noise cancelling headphones

🔹Social Skills and Friendships

  • Being a good friend

  • Making friends

  • How to ask someone to join play

  • Turn taking

  • Giving personal space

  • Treating toys with respect

  • Diversity and getting along

  • Bullying is not okay

🔹Safe Behavior and Self-Control

  • Following rules

  • Positive rules and expectations

  • Interrupting

  • Using appropriate language

  • Gentle hands

  • Keeping spit in my mouth

  • Hands out of my pants

  • Head banging

  • Screeching and screaming safely

  • Biting

  • Pica (keeping unsafe items out of my mouth)

  • Holding hands and staying with an adult

🔹Family Changes and Life Events

  • New baby in the family

  • When someone dies

  • When parents divorce

  • Moving to a new home

🔹Community and Daily Outings

  • Car rides

  • Busy bags for waiting times

🔹Mealtime and Healthy Habits

  • Eating at the table

  • Trying new foods

  • Healthy food choices

🔹Hygiene and Self-Care

  • Washing my hands

  • Brushing my teeth

  • Going to the dentist

  • Getting a haircut

  • Wearing clean clothes and keeping clothes on

  • Using the potty

  • Wiping after using the bathroom

🔹Rest and Comfort

  • Being quiet during rest and nap time

  • Wearing and keeping my shoes on

Important: Social stories are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional assessment or individualized intervention. If you have concerns about a child’s development, behavior, or social-emotional needs, consult a qualified early years professional, speech-language pathologist, or pediatric specialist.

Content Use: All materials in the Little Roots Pocket Guide are protected and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.