Social Story: I Can Use Good Personal Space!

Description

Use this social story to help your client or child understand how to use good personal space! Excitement can cause a child to stand too close to their peers, and invasion of a child’s own personal space can cause problem behaviors like yelling or hitting. This material explains how to maintain good personal space and gives strategies for managing discomfort. 

How to Prepare?

• Print on heavy cardstock or laminate for durability. 
• Following the line in the middle of the page, cut each page in half.
• Bind the pages into a booklet or use a hole punch and binder rings. 
• Cut out choice icons on page 11 into individual squares, and attach Velcro adhesive to the back. 
• Attach Velcro to blank squares on page 7. 
• Work with child to select sensory regulation choice options that work best for him/her! Attach these to blank squares on page 7. 
• Store other choice icons in resealable baggie, or on Velcro strip attached to back of page 7.

How to Use?

First, create the social story with your client or child by filling in the blanks and adding pictures. Then, read the story with your client or child before potential social interactions like school or playdates. Reading the story after the desired behavior occurs helps reinforce positive social engagements.