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What Are Social Stories? WACH VIDEO HERE

Social stories are simple, creative narratives designed to teach children how to handle specific situations, understand social norms, or manage emotions. Think of them as little life guides that help kids feel prepared and reduce anxiety about what’s coming next. They’re tailored to your child’s age and needs and can include words, pictures, or interactive elements – whatever resonates most with your little one.

Why Add a Multisensory Approach?

Kids learn best when they’re engaged on multiple levels. A multisensory approach brings stories to life by involving all their senses – sight, sound, touch, and sometimes even smell or taste! This makes the experience more memorable, fun, and effective.

How to Create Fun and Effective Social Stories

VIDEO

We recommend creating these stories using a Luula table, a fantastic tool for making storytelling interactive and engaging. Here are some ideas on how to use the Luula table and other creative elements:

1. Use the Luula Table:
   • Chalkboard Surface: Draw characters or scenes together. Let your child add their own ideas to the story. This visual and interactive element makes the story come alive.
   • Sand Tray: Create tactile backdrops like a beach or a desert. Let your child feel the textures as the story progresses.
   • Small Object Boxes: Include props like toys, rocks, shells, or leaves to represent elements of the story. For example, a small toy car can represent a journey or adventure.
   • Clear Acrylic Board: Attach pictures or drawings. Use markers or sticky notes to add interactive details that the child can manipulate during the storytelling.
2. Incorporate Natural Materials: Go on a mini nature walk and gather items like leaves, feathers, or twigs to use as part of your story. For instance, leaves can represent a forest scene, or feathers can symbolize birds in the narrative.
3. Create Simple Props: Make origami animals or use your child’s favorite toys as characters in the story. You can even craft small puppets together to make the story more engaging.
4. Add Everyday Items: Use household items to add sensory effects. A kitchen whisk can become a “magic wand” for a wizard’s tale, or a fan can simulate the wind in an outdoor adventure. Everyday objects can turn ordinary stories into extraordinary experiences.
5. Include Drawings and Photos: Use drawings, family pictures, or snapshots of familiar places to make the story feel personal. For instance, a photo of their favorite park can be used to depict a familiar setting in the story.
6. Stimulate All Senses:
   • Sight: Bright colors, drawings, and visual props.
   • Sound: Add music, sound effects, or simple instruments like tambourines.
   • Touch: Textured props such as sand, fabric, or leaves.
   • Smell: Incorporate scents like lavender for calming scenes or citrus for energetic ones.
   • Taste: If appropriate, include edible elements, like a small piece of fruit for a picnic scene.

What Stories Work Best?

The best stories are the ones that match your child’s life. Here are some ideas:

• Making Friends: How to say hi, ask to play, or share toys.
• Daily Routines: Getting ready for bed, going to the dentist, or sitting through a family dinner.
• New Situations: Starting preschool, going to a birthday party, or flying on a plane.
• Problem-Solving: What to do if someone says something mean or if they feel upset.

Tips to Keep It Fun

• Involve Your Child: Let them help shape the story. Ask questions like, “What should our hero do next?”
• Make It Silly: Add funny moments or quirky characters.
• Add Sounds and Movement: Sing songs, clap, or act out parts of the story.
• Focus on What They Love: Include their favorite things, whether that’s dinosaurs, trucks, or unicorns.

Why It Works

Social stories give kids a clear, safe way to practice social situations, and adding sensory elements makes the experience even more engaging. The more fun and interactive the story, the more likely they’ll remember and use what they’ve learned.

Creating these stories takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. Not only will it help your child develop essential social skills, but it’s also a great way to spend meaningful time together.

Check Out Sensory Stories Online

To help you get started, here are three sensory stories you can find online:

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sensory Story: A hands-on retelling of Eric Carle’s classic tale.
2. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: A sensory adventure full of textures and sounds.
3. Fun at the Beach: A story exploring the sights, sounds, and sensations of a day at the beach.

Are you ready to start creating? Grab some props, spark your imagination, and begin your storytelling journey! Your child will love it, and you’ll enjoy watching them grow.

In our next article, we’ll share a detailed example of a sensory story you can try at home. Stay tuned!