perspective statements provide a description of the possible reactions of
others.)
The following formula provides a good rule of thumb for the content
of a social story:
2 – 5 descriptive statements
+ 1 directive statement
= social story
The most effective format for a story is a booklet with one or two
sentences on each page, and a single page containing one main concept.
My Turn on the Computer
p.1 If I wait for my turn on the computer, the other kids like me better.
p.2 Everyone likes to have a turn on the computer.
p.3 When other kids are using the computer, I will be quiet and wait
for my turn.
p.4 When I am finished on the computer, other kids can use it. That is okay,
because I know I can use it the next day.
p.5 When I wait for my turn on the computer, everyone will be happy.
There are three basic approaches for implementing a social story:
• For a student who reads independently, the story is read twice by
an adult, followed by the student reading it back. Then the
student reads it daily.
• If the student does not read, the story may be recorded on a
cassette tape with a signal (i.e., bell) to turn the pages. The
student is taught to “read” the story, and reads it daily. Symbols,
drawings, or photographs can be included in the story to
support meaning for the student.
• To incorporate modelling, the story can be videotaped. The
story is read aloud on a videotape, with one page on the screen
at a time.