What is a social story?
A short story that walks a child through something new or hard before it happens: what will happen, how it might feel, and what they can do. Tella makes social stories for kids that star your child.
Custom story for Nora
Nora is nervous about her first bus ride to kindergarten, until a new friend saves her a seat.
Butterflies on the Big Yellow Bus
Story created for Nora
How social stories work
A social story is told from your child's point of view, in calm, concrete words and pictures, says the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. It describes what will happen and why, including the hard parts like waiting or meeting new people, rather than telling a child what to do. Share it a few days before, or just before if knowing early makes your child more worried.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina's AFIRM project list social narratives, the research name for social stories, as an evidence-based practice for autistic children from age 3, based on a 2020 review of studies.
That's why Tella is built so the social story stars your child, with your real family and the place they're going, in pictures and narration you watch together, on the TV if you like.
Want to make one yourself? See how to write a social story, or try the social story app that makes one for you.
Social story examples
Questions parents ask
- Do social stories work?
- Research is strongest for autistic children. The AFIRM project at the University of North Carolina lists social narratives as an evidence-based practice for autistic children from age 3, with studies covering social, communication, behavior and school readiness skills. Most of that research covers ages 3 and up.
- Who are social stories for?
- They're best known in autism support, where the research is, and the format fits any child facing something new, like a new baby, a first day of school or a dentist visit.
- When should I share a social story with my child?
- A few days before, so there's time to ask questions, or just before, like the morning of, if knowing early makes your child more worried, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center suggests.
- Are there free social stories?
- Many free printable ones exist, written about a generic child. Tella makes one starring your child, your family and the real place. Your first story is free. No card needed.
- Is there a social story video for kids?
- A Tella story is narrated, with your child in every picture, and plays on your phone, tablet or TV, so you can watch it together.
Made by parents for kids.
Learn more about us.Tella Stories: personalized stories for kids
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