Social Stories for Teaching Self Control

Social Stories for Teaching Self Control photo - Watson Institute

What comes to mind when you hear “self-control” as it relates to your child or students? 

Perhaps you think about emotional regulation; maybe you think about your student raising their hand to ask a question rather than speaking out during class. Maybe “self-control” puts you in mind of personal hygiene and privacy. 

Self-control can encompass a wide array of topics! Teaching these topics is made simpler by using a social story template. 

Social Story Template for Teaching Self Control

We’ve created customizable social story templates on topics about privacy, personal hygiene, asking for help when there is an emergency, and other related topics, but a social story is easy to create to fit your unique scenario! 

Consider the behavior you’d like to help your child or student with, and write the social story from their perspective. Walk through the scenario step by step, illustrating clearly the appropriate behaviors and actions they may take. 

Check out our pre-populated social stories for inspiration to build your own and teach your students about self-control! 

These behavior stories may benefit your students.  They can be downloaded, saved and edited to suit your needs.  The * notation indicates the story is  formatted in a Power Point presentation and the ** notation indicates a Power Point with sound narration.  Each Power Point has animation included on each slide.  Some occur automatically – some occur on a “click”.  Feel free to send comments or questions to [email protected].

It is Okay to Restart Your Day

What is Okay vs. Not Okay

Just Love To Draw

What Kids Expect – Personal Space and Rules

People Need Privacy

Bodily Functions

I Love to Sing

I Love to Sing*

Think It but Don’t Say it

Nose Picking

Nose Picking*

Nose Picking**

When It is OK to Laugh

Keep Hands Out of Pants

What Princesses Do About Hands in Pants

You Can Do It!

Rules and Laws

Self Control (elopement, pushing, throwing)

When There is an Emergency (What to do versus hiding behaviors)

Emergency Card (for elopement or other needs)

Superflex and Spider Man Can Help Me (Topic-talk nice and hands to self) (Interest Area Spider Man) (Characters based on Madrigal & Garcia Winner)

Expected Behaviors for Drawing (“Expected & Unexpected” inspired by M. Garcia Winner)

A Detective Story (Topic: Solving an issue when you’re upset)

This resource was authored by Watson Institute Special Education Consultant, Abby Martello, M.Ed. 

If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.