Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Free Social Stories About Swearing

A collection of free social stories about swearing. Printable and video social stories for kids are included below.

It's not uncommon for a gestalt language processor, who uses a lot of echolalia to communicate, to pick up on swear words when they are little. (Cue the flashbacks to when my son was like 3 or 4 and muttered the f word...)

It's especially not surprising given how emotionally charged swear words can be. And gestalt language processors definitely gravitate towards scripts or phrases that are emotionally charged (see point #12 here).

So what can you do to teach kids about swear words and why they're not appropriate to use? Besides the obvious advice of making sure you don't model accidental swear word gestalts in the first place! (It happens).

Well, you can use one of these free social stories about swearing, curse words, and profanity as a starting point. Many offer up suggestions of alternative phrases or ideas for calming down when angry. And others explain why swearing might get you in trouble at school (or elsewhere).

Some of the social stories (and a song) are geared more towards younger children, while others are better for older kids or teens. But, as always, feel free to use these stories as inspiration for writing one that's tailored specifically to your child and their needs.

Free social stories about swearing

Free Social Stories About Swearing

Have you been looking for a social story about cursing, profanity, and inappropriate language? Then look no further than these free printable swearing social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.

I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you can find the best swearing related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).

Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.

1. Swearing Social Stories from Happy Leaners - Here are two text only social stories about swear words. One is called "If I Swear" and the other is called "Swearing." No images are included with these stories.

2. Swearing is Not a Good Idea Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story talks about a variety of instances when you might hear people use swear words and why it's not a good idea to swear at school (or elsewhere), among other things. It includes two clipart images.

3. Curse Word Calm Down Social Story from Sarah Mitchell on TPT - While this story is primarily a calm down story, it does touch on not using curse words and offers up other calm down strategies to try instead. It is a super short story (only 3 pages) and uses space themed images.

4. Using my Words & Swearing at School Social Story from Behaviorist Tool Box on TPT - This story targets the f word and why you shouldn't say it at school. It also offers different words to use instead and includes some clipart and photos to accompany the text.

5. Social Story: I Need to Use Nice Words from Learning Knows No Bounds on TPT - Here's a story that is geared towards kids who use curse words or "bad words" when they are angry. It uses a lot of random clipart and comes as a Word document so it should be editable.

6. Kind Words - Swearing Social Story from Boardmaker - A short social story that uses Boardmaker images and talks about how swearing can get you into trouble.

7. No Swearing Social Story from Boardmaker - A pretty basic story that uses Bitmoji images to accompany the text.

8. I Won't Repeat Bad Words Social Story from Bx Support on TPT - This story uses random clipart art and simple sentences. It talks about not repeating certain words that you might hear.

9. Using Appropriate Language Social Story from Karissa's Speech Korner on TPT - Here's a super simplistic story that you can use as a template. It's text only by the looks of things, but comes as a Word document so it should be editable.

10. Appropriate Language Social Story for Middle School from Social Story Speechie on TPT - It looks like this story should touch on swearing and using appropriate language (the preview and description don't really go into much detail). The story itself looks pretty basic (especially for middle schoolers!) and uses random clipart.

11. Potty Words Social Story from Speaking of Speech - This story talks about different words to say in different situations and uses lots of colorful clipart. It looks like an account is required in order to download this story.

12. Middle Finger Social Story from Speaking of Speech - While not about swear words in particular, this story talks about why you shouldn't use your middle finger. Again, you might have to create an account first.

Video Social Stories About Swear Words

Here are some video social stories that talk about not using swear words. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, at home, and/or classroom settings. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.

Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child understand how swearing or using curse words might get them into trouble.

So that's it for the list of free social stories about swearing. Hopefully, you're able to find a couple that will work for your needs.

Free social stories about swearing

Continue reading "Free Social Stories About Swearing"

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Free Blank Flag Templates for Kids

Design your own flags with these free printable blank flag templates for kids.

Flags are a super common interest among hyperlexic kids (see #4 on this list), which isn't surprising given that many of these kids have an interest in world maps and geography.

So, if your child (hyperlexic or not) is into flags and would be interested in designing their own, then these free blank flag templates are for you! 

These blank flags are a great way to lean into your child's interests and passions, work on fine motor skills, inspire some creativity, and so much more. And keep in mind that you can use them for more than just drawing directly on them. As you'll see below, there are some different ways to use these templates.

Design your own flags with these free printable blank flag templates for kids

Suggestions for How to Use these Blank Flag Templates for Kids

Here are a few suggestions for using these flag templates. However, feel free to get creative and come up with your own ideas as well.

  • Use it as a blank coloring page and let kids design their own flag designs or recreate real flags from different countries.
  • Skip the crayons or markers and turn it into a collage project instead. Glue various objects or craft supplies onto the flag, such as pom poms, sticks, leaves, cotton balls, glitter, feathers, milk jug lids, pieces of tissue or construction paper, etc.
  • Laminate and use dry erase markers so they are reusable. You could then include them in a busy book for road trips, flights, etc., especially when paired with some I spy games and word scramble games.
  • Laminate and use these templates as a play dough mat to create play dough flags.
  • Screenshare the PDF during teletherapy or Zoom sessions and color them together using the annotate/draw tools included in Zoom (or similar). Details on how to do that here.
  • Give your child a specific design challenge for their flag (e.g., design a flag for a future colony on a different planet, design a flag using only shades of red, design a flag that includes a flower).

Download the Free Flag Templates & Start Designing Your Own Flag

This printable is two pages and includes two styles of flags: one straight rectangular flag and one waving flag.

To get your copy of the blank flag templates, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

Design your own flags with these free printable blank flag templates for kids

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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Free Social Stories About the Weather

A collection of free social stories about the weather, including hurricanes, tornado drills, rain, snow days, dressing for the weather, and more. Printable and video social stories for kids are included below.

My oldest son has had major anxiety about the weather for years, especially during the summer months when the dark clouds come rolling in. Some days it was really challenging to get my son outdoors, even though the weather was perfectly safe. Perhaps you have a child who is anxious about the weather as well.

Well, that's where these free social stories about the weather come in. They discuss topics like hurricanes, tornadoes, rain, snow days, temperature, and dressing for the weather. They touch on safety plans and more.

Looking for a severe or bad weather social story? Try one of these free social stories about the weather, from tornadoes, snow days, hurricanes, & rain

Free Social Stories About the Weather

Have you been looking for a social story about bad weather or dressing for the weather? Then look no further than these free printable weather social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.

I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you can find the best weather related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).

Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.

1. Choosing What to Wear for the Weather Social Story - While this story focuses more on choosing clothing to wear in general, it does have three pages dedicated to picking clothing to match the weather and temperature. It talks about sunny and warm, cold and snowy, and rainy weather.

2. Temperature & Weather Social Stories from Happy Learners - There are four text only social stories here. The topics include air temperature, I feel cold, I feel hot, and dressing for the weather.

3. Weather Safety Preparation Social Stories from Institute for Childhood Preparedness in collaboration with Autism Little Learners - You will find a few different social stories here on the topics of earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The stories are available in both English and Spanish and use colorful clipart throughout.

4. Bad Weather Social Story from Boardmaker - This story talks about staying safe during bad weather. It uses Boardmaker symbols and clipart.

5. Dress for the Weather Social Story from Boardmaker - Want to help kids understand how to dress for different types of weather? Then try this story that includes full color photos.

6. Staying Safe from Tornadoes Social Story from Autism Grown Up Resource Center on TPT - This story looks really detailed and is editable. It focuses on creating safety plans and uses photos throughout.

7. Social Narrative About Hurricanes from Autism Educators on TPT - This story talks about hurricane season and how to stay safe during a hurricane. It uses colorful clipart images.

8. Rain Boots Social Story from OT Social Stories on TPT - This story focuses on helping kids get comfortable wearing rain boots. It uses photos throughout.

9. Severe Weather Drill Social Story from Melissa Henkel on TPT - Here's a simple one page story about severe weather. The text is accompanied by simple icon clipart.

10. Weather Social Story from Meg Kell on TPT - Have a child who doesn't like storms? Try this simple one page story. It includes random clipart and icons.

11. Snow Day Social Story from The ABLEities Foundation on TPT - The concept of snow days is so weird/foreign to me (I live in the Canadian prairies where we get snow and ridiculous temperatures for like 5-6 months of the year). But, if you experience the occasional snow day, then this story might be helpful. It uses icon style clipart.

12. How to Dress for Cold Winter Weather from Wild Child Learning on TPT - This story talks about dressing layers to stay safe in cold weather. It uses simple black and white drawings by the looks of things.

13. What to Wear in the Winter: Social Story for Boys from Sped-Ventures on TPT - This story talks about what types of clothing is appropriate to wear in the winter and uses colorful clipart.

14. What to Wear in the Winter: Social Story for Girls from Sped-Ventures on TPT - Likely the exact same story as above, but with different clipart tailored towards girls.

15. Getting Dressed in Winter Social Story from Play Based Fun on TPT - Here's a story that talks about getting dressed for cold winter temperatures. It uses Boardmaker symbols and first, then, next, last language.

Video Social Stories About Different Weather Conditions

Here are some video social stories that talk about different types of weather conditions. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, at home, and/or classroom settings. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.

Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child understand different aspects of the weather, including dealing with severe weather, snow days, and/or knowing how to dress for the weather.

Want to Teach Your Child More About the Weather? Try this Printable Pack!

To help my son with his weather anxiety, learning more about the different types of weather in more detail made a huge difference. He could analyze the clouds and recognize that the clouds he spotted weren't rain clouds. Or he would know the likelihood of a tornado happening where we live is pretty low. These things made him feel more comfortable about heading outdoors in the summer.

This weather printable pack goes over different types of clouds, the types of tornadoes, different types of storms, and more. There are lots of great weather activities in this pack! And they can be a great tool for supporting your weather anxious kids.

Weather printable pack for kids

Grab your copy of the weather printable pack

As you know, weather can be a pretty broad topic, making it difficult to cover all possible weather conditions. However, using these free social stories about the weather can be a great starting point. So, hopefully you found something that might be useful to you.

I also have additional weather related resources here that might be of use to you.

Looking for a severe or bad weather social story? Try one of these free social stories about the weather, from tornadoes, snow days, hurricanes, & rain

Continue reading "Free Social Stories About the Weather"

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Free Social Stories About Swimming & Water Safety

A collection of free social stories about swimming, swimming lessons, and water safety. Printable and video social stories for kids are included below.

It's incredibly important that every child learns how to swim and knows the importance of being safe in or around the water.

But I also know how scared and overwhelmed some children can be when it comes to entering the pool or participating in swim lessons.

My oldest son, for instance, had major anxiety around swimming when he was little. That's why we didn't start lessons until he was a bit older, but, once he was ready, he quickly flew through all of the levels and became super comfortable in the water.

Now, there are lots of different ways you can go about getting your child comfortable in the water, including using visual supports such as social stories. For example, you can use these free social stories about swimming, water safety, and swimming lessons to help explain pool rules, what to expect during lessons, and so much more. So let's take a closer look at what's available out there.

Looking for a swimming social story? Try one of these free social stories about swimming, swimming lessons, & water safety

Free Social Stories About Swimming, Swimming Lessons, & Water Safety

Have you been looking for a social story about going swimming or a social story about swimming lessons? Then look no further than these free printable swimming social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.

I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you can find the best swimming related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).

Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.

Also, be sure to check your local swimming pools and aquatic centers in case they have premade stories for you to download. Sometimes they do!

1. Swim Lessons Social Story from Inclusion Inspiration on TPT - This story is about swim lessons and includes clipart to accompany the text. It goes over common pool rules.

2. Going to Swim Lessons Social Story from Swim and Scouts on TPT - Need help preparing for swim lessons? Try this story that features both clipart and photos.

3. Swimming Lessons are Fun Social Story from Swim and Scouts on TPT - Starting swim lessons? This story might be what you need. It includes color photos.

4. I Can Go to a Swimming Pool from Coquitlam - While this story is specific to the city of Coquitlam (in British Columbia), it could still be a good story to use with your child. It uses lots of photos throughout.

5. Swimming Social Story from Pathways Health Centre for Children - Here's another story for a specific aquatic centre (located in Sarnia, Ontario). It uses simple text and full color photos. You can find the story in the what to expect section of the page.

6. Various Swimming Social Stories from Access Ability Australia - There are a number of social stories here for various pools throughout Australia, including:

7. Swimming is Fun Social Story from ilovelulabelly on TPT - There are lots of colorful photos in this story about swimming.

8. At the Public Swimming Pool Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story is primarily text based. Actually, it's one giant paragraph! It includes only one photo.

9. Backyard Swimming Pool Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - Here is a story about swimming in a backyard pool. It is primarily text based, but does include two photos.

10. My Class is Going on a Swimming Trip Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - Much like the title suggests, this story focuses on a school field trip to the local pool. It's mostly text based, but does include one clipart image and one photo.

11. Swim Lesson Social Story from Morgan Sweeney on TPT - Geared towards a child who might be hesitant about starting swim lessons, this social story is one page and has one clipart image.

12. Social Story for Going to the Swimming Pool from Sam Livermore on TPT - A simple one page text based story that explains what to do when you visit a swimming pool.

13. Water Safety Social Story from Alice's Wonderland on TPT - I can't see much about this particular social story, but it focuses on the topic of water safety, which is incredibly important.

14. Swim Lessons Social Story from Rachel Kern on Boardmaker - This story uses Boardmaker symbols and text. It does reference a specific person who teaches swim lessons out of their home so you might want to use this story as inspiration for writing your own.

15. Swimming Lessons Social Stories from Sparkle Appeal - This toolkit has a couple of social story options (see pages 6-8). They include colorful icon clipart throughout.

Video Social Stories About Swimming Lessons & Water Safety

Here are some video social stories that talk about swimming lessons and water safety. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, at home, and/or classroom settings. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.

Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child understand different aspects of staying safe while playing in or around water.

Need a Social Story About Wearing a Life Jacket? Try this Story!

When playing in water or participating in swim lessons, your child might have to wear a life jacket. Go over the importance of wearing one with this lifejacket social story.

Wearing a life jacket social story

Grab your copy of the wearing a life jacket social story

Learning how to swim, understanding water safety, and wearing a life jacket are all great ways to keep your child safe in or near water. Hopefully, these free social stories about swimming and water safety are helpful to you.

Looking for a swimming social story? Try one of these free social stories about swimming, swimming lessons, & water safety

Continue reading "Free Social Stories About Swimming & Water Safety"