How To Write Social Stories: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators and Parents
Social stories are a powerful tool for helping individuals, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), understand social situations and expectations. They are short, descriptive stories that break down social cues and teach appropriate responses. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to write social stories effectively, ensuring they resonate with the reader and achieve the desired outcome.
Understanding the Essence of Social Stories
Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to grasp the core principles of social stories. These stories are personalized narratives designed to clarify social situations by describing them in a patient and supportive manner. They are not designed to punish or reprimand, but rather to provide information and guidance.
Key Elements of a Successful Social Story
A well-crafted social story embodies specific characteristics:
- Descriptive: They objectively describe a situation, including the context, people involved, and relevant cues.
- Perspective-Taking: They often incorporate the perspective of the individual reading the story, helping them understand the situation from different angles.
- Directive: They offer guidance on appropriate behaviors or responses within the described scenario.
- Reassuring: They provide comfort and reduce anxiety by presenting information in a clear and predictable format.
- Individualized: They are tailored to the specific needs and experiences of the individual.
Planning Your Social Story: The Foundation for Success
The planning phase is where the magic begins. Thorough preparation ensures your social story is relevant and effective.
Identifying the Target Behavior and Situation
The first step is to pinpoint the specific behavior or social situation you want to address. Be precise. For example, instead of “being nice,” focus on “sharing toys” or “waiting your turn.” Clearly define the context – where, when, and with whom the situation typically occurs.
Gathering Information and Observation
Observe the situation directly. This allows you to gather accurate details about the social cues, behaviors of others, and the individual’s reactions. Take notes on what happens, what is said, and the feelings involved. This observation phase helps you write a story that is both accurate and insightful.
Determining the Story’s Perspective
Consider the perspective from which the story will be told. Often, it’s beneficial to write from the individual’s perspective or a neutral third-person perspective. This choice influences the language and tone of the story.
Structuring Your Social Story: A Step-by-Step Approach
The structure of a social story is critical for clarity and effectiveness. Following a clear format helps the reader understand the information presented.
The Descriptive Sentences: Setting the Stage
Descriptive sentences provide objective information about the situation. They answer the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why” questions. Focus on factual information without judgment. For example: “At school, it is time for recess. Many children go outside to play.”
The Perspective Sentences: Understanding Feelings and Thoughts
Perspective sentences describe the thoughts and feelings of the person in the story or other people involved. This helps the reader understand the social context. For example: “My friend might feel happy when I share my toys.”
The Directive Sentences: Offering Guidance and Instructions
Directive sentences provide guidance on appropriate behaviors. They often begin with phrases like “I will try to…” or “I can…” Keep the instructions positive and achievable. For example: “I will try to wait my turn to go down the slide.”
The Affirmative Sentences: Reinforcing Positive Messages
Affirmative sentences express a shared value or opinion. These sentences often reinforce positive messages. For example: “It is good to be kind to others.”
Writing the Social Story: Crafting the Narrative
Now, it’s time to put the plan into action.
Choosing the Right Tone and Language
Use a calm, supportive, and positive tone. Avoid judgmental language. Keep the language simple, clear, and concise. Use words the individual understands. Consider using visual aids, such as pictures or drawings, to support the text.
The Sentence Ratio: Balancing Sentence Types
A common guideline is to use a ratio of descriptive, perspective, and affirmative sentences to directive sentences. While there’s no rigid rule, a ratio of 2-5 descriptive/perspective/affirmative sentences to 1 directive sentence is a good starting point. This ensures the story is primarily informative and supportive.
Visual Aids and Formatting
Visual aids can significantly enhance comprehension. Incorporate relevant pictures, drawings, or photographs to illustrate the social situation and key concepts. Use clear and uncluttered formatting, with ample white space and a font that is easy to read.
Review and Revision: Ensuring Accuracy and Effectiveness
Once you’ve written the story, the work isn’t done. Thorough review and revision are essential.
Gathering Feedback from Others
Ask another person, especially someone familiar with the individual and the situation, to read the story and provide feedback. This can help identify any potential misunderstandings or areas for improvement.
Testing the Story with the Individual
The most important step is to test the story with the person for whom it’s written. Observe their reaction and ask questions to gauge their understanding. Be prepared to make revisions based on their feedback.
Revising and Refining the Story
Use the feedback received to revise and refine the story. Make any necessary changes to ensure the story is accurate, clear, and relevant to the individual’s needs.
Implementing and Maintaining the Social Story
The final steps involve implementing the story and monitoring its impact.
Reading the Story Regularly
Read the social story regularly, ideally at times when the individual is calm and receptive. Consistency is key. Read the story before the targeted situation arises, and also afterward to reinforce the learned behaviors.
Using the Story as a Reference
Encourage the individual to refer to the social story when they encounter the target situation. Use the story as a reminder of the expected behaviors.
Monitoring and Evaluating the Story’s Effectiveness
Observe the individual’s behavior and assess whether the social story is helping them understand the social situation and respond appropriately. Make adjustments to the story as needed to ensure it continues to be effective.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Considerations
For more complex situations, consider these advanced techniques.
Incorporating the Individual’s Interests
Whenever possible, incorporate the individual’s interests into the social story. This can make the story more engaging and memorable.
Using Social Stories for Unexpected Situations
Social stories can be adapted for unexpected situations, such as changes in routine or unexpected events. Prepare these stories in advance to reduce anxiety and support understanding.
Combining Social Stories with Other Strategies
Social stories can be used in conjunction with other strategies, such as visual schedules, role-playing, and positive reinforcement, to support social learning.
FAQs About Social Stories
What if the individual doesn’t seem to understand the social story?
If the individual doesn’t seem to understand, review the story, simplify the language, and incorporate more visual aids. You might also need to break down the situation into smaller steps. Consider revisiting the story at a later time.
How long should a social story be?
There is no set length. The length should be appropriate to the situation and the individual’s attention span. It’s better to keep it concise and to the point.
Can I use social stories for adults?
Yes, social stories can be effective for adults as well. The principles remain the same, but the language and content should be tailored to the adult’s level of understanding and experiences.
How often should I read the social story?
Read the social story as often as needed. Initially, reading it daily or even several times a day may be necessary. Gradually reduce the frequency as the individual demonstrates understanding and improved behavior.
Can I use social stories for negative behaviors?
Social stories are most effective when focused on positive behaviors. However, you can indirectly address negative behaviors by focusing on the desired alternative behaviors and the consequences of negative actions in a neutral manner.
Conclusion: Empowering Social Understanding
Writing effective social stories is a valuable skill that can significantly improve the social understanding and well-being of individuals facing social challenges. By carefully planning, structuring, and implementing these stories, educators, parents, and caregivers can empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate social situations successfully. Remember that patience, consistency, and a focus on the individual’s needs are key to success. Through the power of social stories, we can help create a more inclusive and understanding world.