How to Write Social Stories

Writing social stories shouldn't feel hard.

We made this course because education support workers told us they don't have enough time to write social stories.

We looked at every social story course out there.

It's either a full-day workshop with a workbook and a presenter you'll never see again.

Or a webinar where the slides are so crammed with text, you're checking your phone by slide three.

"I have a student, I know a social story could help.

But I don't have 2 hours to create one."

This is why we built Story Builder.

It's like having Carol Gray helping you write.

This is what a Social Story looks like.

Written by an Education Support Worker for one student, about one important moment. Scroll through and see.

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That's Caleb's story.

Written for him. About his world. Using his name and the names of people he knows.

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A Social Story can take many shapes — and serve many purposes.

One student. Any format.

Story

Text message

Celebrate

Understand

Coach

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I am really good at helping my friends.

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At school, lunchtime usually happens after second period.

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Sometimes I am not sure what to do. My teacher is nearby.

Support Worker

Hey Caleb — I just wanted to say something.

You were really kind to Jayden today at lunch. That's a big deal.

thanks 😊

Support Worker

Hey Caleb — heads up about lunch today.

You'll go outside after class. The undercover area is usually quieter.

ok 👍

Support Worker

If things feel tricky at lunch, you could try finding a quieter spot.

Or you could let a teacher know. Either one is fine.

I'll try the quiet spot

To: Caleb's parents

From: Support Worker

Something worth sharing about Caleb today

Hi,

I wanted to let you know that Caleb did something really kind at school today. He noticed a classmate was upset and went over to check on them.

I've written a short story to help him recognise that strength in himself.

To: Caleb's parents

From: Support Worker

Caleb's Social Story — Lunchtime

Hi,

I've written a short Social Story for Caleb about lunchtime. It's designed to help him feel prepared for what usually happens after class.

Please feel free to read it with him tonight.

To: Caleb's parents

From: Support Worker

A few ideas for Caleb at lunchtime

Hi,

I've written a short story for Caleb with some gentle ideas for when lunchtime feels tricky. Nothing prescriptive — just a few things he might try.

Worth a read together if the moment feels right.

Start anywhere.

Already know the basics? Jump straight to writing. Your call.

Welcome

Set the course to fit how you learn.

Reading the room

Experience a real moment — and feel what it's like before you know what to do.

Scenario

Meet Kieran

Know who you're learning with and why he built this.

You don't have to be an expert

Understand what a Social Story actually is — and isn't.

You're in good company

Meet other ESWs doing exactly what you're doing.

Is a Social Story the right choice?

Know when to write one — and when something else will work better.

Choose your student

Lock in the student this story is for.

Your student profile

Capture what you already know — and get a profile you can use for every story.

Tool

Choose one goal

Decide whether this story celebrates, explains, or coaches.

Plan your story

Map out what goes in before you write a single sentence.

Descriptive sentences

Write the sentences that tell the student what the world looks like.

Perspective sentences

Write the sentences that help a student feel less alone.

Coaching sentences

Write the sentences that offer a quiet suggestion — when the moment is right.

Build your story

Leave with a complete draft — written for your student, ready to use.

Story Builder

Ready for feedback?

Get personalised feedback from Kieran on your first story.

Reflection: After you share it

Make sense of what happened — and what you'll do differently next time.

Try it for yourself.

This is how you'll actually learn — not by watching, by doing.

Scenario

Mastery check

How do you feel?

Idea wall

Real scenario

Mastery check

A student has a meltdown. You have a Social Story written for this exact situation. What do you do?

Word cloud

"When you think about writing a Social Story for your student right now, you feel…"

Idea wall

"How will you introduce Social Stories to the students you support?"

Start for free. Stay because it works.

Individual

^$49

per month · cancel any time

Full course access
Unlimited Story Builder
Peer community
Unlimited feedback on your stories

Start monthly

Best value

^$149

per year
We'll remind you 21 and 7 days before your annual renewal.

Full course access
Unlimited Story Builder
Peer community
Unlimited feedback on your stories

Start your 14 day free trial

Your card won't be charged until your free trial ends.

Schools & teams

Built for schools too.

When your whole team writes better Social Stories,
every student benefits.

Full course access for each ESW
Unlimited Story Builder
Private school community
Unlimited feedback on stories for each ESW
Group discount applies
Invoice direct to your school

Get a school quote

Start your free 14 day trial. Then email us with your employer's contact details and we'll send a quote directly to them.

If your employer agrees within 14 days, we'll extend your free trial while your invoice is processed.

Email us for a school invoice — support@wellbeingproject.com.au

Build a Social Story in 2 hours

Writing social stories shouldn't feel hard.

This is what a Social Story looks like.

That's Caleb's story.

One student. Any format.

Start anywhere.

Try it for yourself.

Start for free. Stay because it works.

The person closest to the student is the most qualified to write the story.