Grades K–5
When There Is a Fire Drill
A calm social story about fire drills: the loud alarm, lining up, walking outside, waiting and going back in.
Special education printable · Social stories
Waiting My Turn
A first-person social story about waiting: friends take turns, I can count, breathe or look, and my turn will come.
- Grade level
- Grades K–5
- Time
- About 10 minutes
- Topic
- Social stories
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Understanding routines and expectations, Coping with change, Perspective taking, Listening comprehension
What kids do
“Read the story with a grown-up. Then draw yourself waiting.”
Printed on the sheet:
- At school, my friends and I take turns. Taking turns is fair.
- Sometimes I have to wait for my turn. Waiting can feel hard.
- While I wait, I can take a slow breath and count to 10.
- I can watch my friend have a turn. I keep my hands to myself.
- Then it is my turn! Waiting helps everyone get a turn.
- Draw me waiting for my turn.
Teacher tip
Right after reading, play a quick turn-taking game with a visual, like passing a “my turn” card. Praise the waiting, not just the turn.
How to use it
- Point to each picture and stop to ask what the student sees.
- Keep a copy where the student can reach it and reread it alone.
- Model the page yourself first, then do it together, then let the student try with less and less help.
Watch for
Words that are too hard. Change the wording to match how the student talks.
Talk about it
- What will you do when this happens?
- What comes next?
Take it further
Add the student’s name, a photo or their own drawing to make the story theirs.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More social stories
Grades K–5
When I Have a Substitute Teacher
A social story for sub days: my teacher will come back, a new grown-up is in charge, and my schedule stays the same.
Grades K–5
Walking in the Hallway
A social story about lining up and walking in the hall: my spot, quiet voice, walking feet and hands to myself.
Grades K–5
When Plans Change
A social story about changes to the schedule: plans can change, I may feel upset, and I can breathe and ask what is next.
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