Social Story: Asking for a Break

A first-person social story about asking for a break, with a coping step the student can choose.

Use with a student — free
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Cueing ladder

Start at the top. Add support one step at a time.

  1. Step 1IndependentSet up the situation and wait for the student to respond on their own.Log as correct
  2. Step 2Nonverbal cueUse a look, a gesture or a point to the visual cue card.Log as cued
  3. Step 3Indirect promptAsk 'What could you say now?' or 'How do you think they feel?'Log as cued
  4. Step 4ModelShow what to say or do, then run the moment again so the student can try it.Log as cued

Adjust it

Easier

Give a script or two choices of what to say, and practise with you before a peer.

Harder

Role-play with a new partner, or add a twist the student has not planned for.

Matching IEP goal

Given school and community scenarios, Student will state a need or a plan clearly to the right person in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, given no more than an indirect prompt.

Send it home through the parent portal →

What's in this activity

  • At school, I do lots of work. Some work is fun, and some work is hard.
  • Sometimes my body feels tired or my brain feels full. That happens to lots of people.
  • Taking a break is one way to feel ready again. Breaks are part of my school day.
  • I can show my break card or say, "I need a break, please."
  • My teacher wants to know when I need a break. Then my teacher can help me.
  • When my break is over, I go back to my work. Work often feels easier after a break.

Use this board with your caseload

With a free account, every correct, cued and incorrect mark is saved to the student and scored against their IEP goal, with the data written up for you. Assign it as home practice through the parent portal.

Track progress free

Free for SLPs. No card, no trial clock.