There are many books about going back to school that can help children and families prepare for this big transition. Books can spark questions and conversations that can ease worries and build confidence. Children and families also have unique experiences and challenges when it comes to transitioning to school and they may not find them reflected in a book. This is an opportunity for families to create their own story and they don’t need more than a piece of paper and pencil.
Social Stories
Educators call these Social Stories and they are often used in schools. A social story is a short and simple combination of words and pictures that help children understand and manage social situations, routines, or concepts. All children can benefit from a social story, and anyone can make one. You don’t need to be a writer or an artist to create a story for a child. Simple stick figures and short phrases are all you need to create a story. Older children can help create their story.
Perhaps a child is struggling with separating from a caregiver. A social story can outline the daily routine from entering school, greeting the teacher, saying goodbye to the caregiver and going through the routine of the day until the caregiver returns. Describing a routine in this way and reading it over and over with a caregiver can help children feel secure and confident as they build the skills they need to cope with the separation.
Social stories can help with any sticking points in the child’s routine. Some children struggle to manage routines around getting ready for school while other children need help with skills related to interacting with their peers. Social stories not only help build early literacy skills, but they also help children with self-regulation, social-emotional skills, sequencing and expectations. For a child, a social story is their own unique story, created for them by a caring adult. That’s a story that is bound to be a favorite.
