Remember that day at the park? There was a little boy – maybe 4 or 5 years old – and he wouldn’t listen to his dad. He ran all over the place, climbed where he shouldn’t, and wouldn’t leave when it was time. His dad kept calling, but it seemed the boy wasn’t hearing him. I bet most parents of young kids can relate to a scene like that! Following directions can be challenging for all kids, but it can be especially hard for neurodivergent kids. Social stories can help students prepare for social situations by explaining how to behave. They can also help reduce anxiety and manage change.
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What Is a Following Directions Social Story?
A following directions social story is a short, simple story that helps kids understand what it means to follow directions and why it’s essential. Stories can include:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- Pictures or illustrations to help visualize the directions
- Positive examples of what happens when kids follow directions
Why Use Following Directions Social Stories?
Social stories are a powerful tool for kids with special needs. Here’s why they’re effective:
- Visual Learning: Many neurodivergent kids are visual learners. Stories provide a visual guide for appropriate behavior.
- Reduced Anxiety: Social stories offer predictability and structure, reducing anxiety around new situations or expectations.
- Boosts Confidence: Knowing what to expect empowers kids to succeed, building their self-confidence.
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How Do I Write a Following Directions Social Story?
Crafting your own social story is a snap! Here are the key steps:
- Identify the Challenge: Pick a specific situation in which your child struggles to follow directions (e.g., getting ready for school or cleaning up toys).
- Break It Down: Break the task into small, manageable steps. What do you expect your child to do first, second, third, and so on?
- Keep It Simple: Use clear, direct language your child can understand. Avoid complex vocabulary or long sentences.
- Add Visuals: Include pictures, drawings, or photos of your child to engage the story.
- Focus on the Positive: Highlight the good things that happen when your child follows directions.
Following Directions Social Story Examples
Need some inspiration? Here are a few sample social stories to get you started:
Following Directions Social Skills Story (Pokémon Theme)
- Target Behavior: Listening and responding to instructions the first time
- The Story: Hello, Pokémon trainer! When a teacher or an adult gives you something to do, you must follow directions immediately. Look at them. Say, “Okay.” Then do what they say. First, you need to look at them. Next, you must say “okay” or nod to show you understand. After that, you can follow their directions. I will follow directions. And the teacher says you had a calm body. If you follow directions immediately, you will be rewarded for being responsible. When I follow directions right away, everyone is happy and safe.
Read more: Social Stories for Kids
Social Story Following Directions Social-Emotional
- Target Behavior: Sitting with the group for morning circle time
- The Story: Maisie, the merry moose, learns to mind. See if you can find the sloth hiding in the story. Maisie is a merry moose in Mr. Mitchell’s class. She loves mangoes, music, and midday snacks. The class will prepare for the circle time story, and Maisie can be part of the group. When Maisie’s group goes to circle time, Maisie sits with friends in the circle on the rug. She listens with her ears, watches with her eyes, and her hands stay still.
Following Directions Story
- Target Behavior: Following a teacher’s instructions to work neatly.
- The Story: It’s time for art class! I like using paints, crayons, and glitter in class. My teachers give directions to help me be a good friend, artist, and student at school. I’ll remember to listen carefully to my teacher’s instructions. Then, I’ll follow the directions. When I follow directions, my artwork looks great! Everyone stays safe. And my teacher and my friends feel happy.
Tips for Using Social Stories
- Read Regularly: Read the story with your child often, especially before the situations it describes.
- Make It Personal: Use your child’s name and interests to make the story more relatable.
- Be Positive: Use positive language and focus on desired behaviors.
- Practice Patience: It might take time for your child to see the benefits of the social story.
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It Takes A Village
Remember, change takes time, and consistency is critical! Keep working with your child and celebrating their progress. If you need more help, contact teachers, other parents, or therapists for further support.
Credible Sources for Further Reading:
- The National Autistic Society: Using Social Stories:This site clearly explains social stories and offers tips for creating them.
- And next comes L: Social Stories:Provides step-by-step instructions for writing your own social stories.
- Understood: Using Social Stories to Teach Social Skills:Explains how social stories can help kids with various diagnoses, including ADHD and autism.
FAQ’s About Following Directions | Social Story
What is a following directions social story? A following directions social story is a short, simple story that uses words and pictures to help kids understand what it means to follow directions. These stories break down tasks into smaller steps and provide clear, positive examples. How can social stories help kids follow directions? Social stories are helpful because they offer visual reminders of expectations, reduce anxiety by providing predictability, and boost confidence when kids know what to do. Who can benefit from following directions social stories? Social stories are particularly helpful for neurodivergent kids or kids with learning disabilities, but they can benefit all children. What should I include in a following directions social story? Focus on a specific behavior, break it down into manageable steps, use simple language, include visuals, and highlight the positive outcomes of following directions. Can I make my own following directions social story? Yes! It's easy to create personalized social stories for your child. Consider their interests and specific challenges when crafting your story.
This post was originally published on 04/12/2023. It was updated on 03/13/2024.
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