Slide Deck
Social Story Sleuths: Unlocking Social Clues
Are you ready to become a detective of social situations? Today, we'll learn a super useful tool to understand and navigate tricky moments!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting theme of becoming social story 'sleuths.' Explain that today they'll learn to unlock social clues.
What Are Social Stories?
Your Guide to Social Situations
- A short, simple story about a specific social situation.
- It helps you understand what might happen.
- It explains why people might act or feel a certain way.
- It suggests helpful ways you can respond.
Define what a social story is in simple terms. Emphasize it's a guide, not a rulebook, and helps with understanding.
Why Do We Use Social Stories?
Become a Social Superstar!
- Understand social cues: Learn to 'read' situations.
- Improve communication: Know what to say and how to act.
- Reduce worries: Feel more prepared for new or challenging situations.
- Build confidence: Interact with others more easily and successfully.
Explain the practical benefits. Connect it to real-life situations they might encounter.
Case File 1: The Group Project Dilemma
Imagine you're working on a group project. Everyone has ideas, but how do you make sure everyone feels heard and the work gets done fairly?
- Let's read the story and uncover the clues!
Introduce the first case file. Prepare students to listen carefully and think about the characters and situation. This slide sets up the first story from the Social Story Examples Activity.
Case File 2: Lunchroom Line Up
Picture this: The lunch line is long, and everyone is hungry. How do you navigate the crowd and get your food without any fuss?
- Time for another story to unlock some more social secrets!
Introduce the second case file. Encourage students to think about everyday interactions and how a social story can help.
Your Turn, Sleuths!
Now that we've explored some social stories, it's time for you to put your detective skills to the test!
- Group Activity: Discuss the stories and what you learned.
- Worksheet: Reflect on the key takeaways.
Transition to the activity and worksheet. Explain they will now apply what they've learned.
Activity
Social Story Sleuths: Case Files
Welcome, Social Story Sleuths! Your mission is to read these case files (social stories) and uncover the social clues to understand and navigate tricky situations.
Case File 1: The Group Project Dilemma
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Situation: It's Tuesday morning, and Ms. Davis has just announced a new group project on ecosystems. Sarah, Ben, and Maria are in a group together. Sarah immediately starts talking about her ideas, wanting to be the leader. Ben has some good ideas too but struggles to get a word in. Maria feels a little left out and isn't sure how to contribute.
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Feelings: Sarah is excited and eager. Ben feels a little frustrated and unheard. Maria feels shy and a bit confused about her role.
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What Sarah Learns: Sarah can take a deep breath and remember that everyone in a group has valuable ideas. She can pause, ask, "What do you two think?" or "Does anyone have other ideas?" to make sure everyone participates.
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What Ben Learns: Ben can practice polite ways to share his ideas. He can say, "That's a great point, Sarah. I also thought of..." or raise his hand slightly to signal he wants to speak.
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What Maria Learns: Maria can practice speaking up in a calm voice. She can start with, "I have an idea..." or "I can help with..." to contribute to the group.
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Positive Outcome: When everyone tries to listen and share, the project becomes much better. Everyone feels valued, and the group works together like a well-oiled machine!
Discussion Questions for Case File 1:
- What was challenging about this group project situation for Ben and Maria?
- What did Sarah learn about being a good group member?
- If you were Ben, what would you do or say to share your ideas?
- How could Maria show she wants to contribute?
Case File 2: Lunchroom Line Up
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Situation: It's lunchtime, and the hallway leading to the cafeteria is buzzing with students. David is excited about pizza day and rushes to get in line, accidentally bumping into Chloe, who was already standing patiently. Chloe frowns and looks annoyed. David doesn't notice and keeps pushing forward.
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Feelings: David is excited and focused on the pizza. Chloe feels annoyed and perhaps a bit invisible.
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What David Learns: David can remember to slow down in busy areas like the lunch line. He can look around to make sure he's not bumping into anyone and remember that everyone is waiting for their turn.
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What Chloe Learns: Chloe can use a calm voice to say, "Excuse me, I was here," or gently tap David on the shoulder to let him know. She can also take a deep breath if she feels annoyed.
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Positive Outcome: When David slows down and is aware of others, and Chloe uses her voice calmly, everyone can get their lunch without any unnecessary bumps or bad feelings. A smooth lunch line makes for a happier lunch!
Discussion Questions for Case File 2:
- How do you think Chloe felt when David bumped into her?
- What could David have done differently when he entered the lunch line?
- What are some ways Chloe could have responded to David?
- Why is it important to be mindful of personal space in crowded places like the lunch line?
Worksheet
Social Story Reflection Worksheet
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Now that you've explored the social stories, let's reflect on what you've learned to become even better social sleuths!
Part 1: Your Social Story Discoveries
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From the "Group Project Dilemma" story, what was one important social clue you discovered about working in a group?
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In the "Lunchroom Line Up" story, what did you learn about navigating crowded spaces respectfully?
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Think about a time you found a social situation tricky. How could a social story have helped you understand it better or know how to respond?
Part 2: Your Personal Social Goals
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Based on today's lesson, what is one social skill or rule you want to practice more this week? (e.g., listening carefully, asking others for their ideas, respecting personal space, speaking up politely)
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Describe how you will try to practice this skill. Where might you use it?
Lesson Plan
Social Story Sleuths Lesson Plan
Students will be able to identify key social cues and appropriate responses using social stories to navigate various social situations effectively.
Understanding social situations and developing appropriate responses helps students build stronger relationships, reduce anxiety, and feel more confident in their daily interactions. This lesson provides practical tools for navigating common challenges.
Audience
6th Grade Students (Tier 2 Group)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Direct instruction, group discussion, and guided practice.
Materials
Social Story Sleuths Slide Deck, Social Story Examples Activity, and Social Story Reflection Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Make copies of the Social Story Reflection Worksheet for each student (optional, if printing).
- Ensure projector/screen is set up for the Social Story Sleuths Slide Deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Social Spotlight (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Begin with a brief discussion: "What makes a social situation 'tricky' or hard to understand sometimes? Share an example without naming anyone!" (e.g., knowing when to join a conversation, understanding non-verbal cues).
Step 2
Introducing Social Stories (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Use the Social Story Sleuths Slide Deck to introduce what social stories are and their purpose. Explain they are like a 'map' for social situations.
- Slide 1: Title Slide
- Slide 2: What are Social Stories?
- Slide 3: Why do we use them?
Step 3
Social Story Deep Dive (15 minutes)
15 minutes
Engage students with the Social Story Examples Activity. Read each social story aloud or have students take turns. Facilitate a group discussion using the prompts provided within the activity.
- Discuss the characters' feelings, appropriate actions, and potential outcomes.
- Encourage role-playing key moments from the stories if time permits and students are comfortable.
Step 4
Reflect and Report (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Distribute the Social Story Reflection Worksheet. Have students complete the prompts independently or discuss their answers as a group as a cool-down activity.
- Collect worksheets or invite students to share one key takeaway.