Social Story: When a Friend Says Not Right Now

A first-person social story about hearing no when asking to play at recess or during centers, with a coping step the student can choose.

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Cueing ladder

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

  1. Step 1Read togetherRead the page aloud together, pausing after the friend says "Not right now."Log as correct
  2. Step 2Script cardOffer the response card: "Okay, maybe later" before the student answers in role-play.Log as cued
  3. Step 3Feelings checkAsk how the student might feel when they hear no, then point back to the page about disappointment being common.Log as cued
  4. Step 4Model and retryYou play the friend who says no; model a calm reply and a backup plan, then let the student try the exchange again.Log as cued

Adjust it

Easier

Practise only the reply line and one backup choice (different friend vs solo activity) with picture cues.

Harder

Role-play two nos in a row and rehearse asking the teacher for help making a play plan.

Matching IEP goal

In structured role-plays, Student will respond to a peer declining play with an accepting phrase and select an alternative activity in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, given no more than a script card.

Send it home through the parent portal →

What's in this activity

  • At school, I like to play with my friends at recess and during center time.
  • Sometimes I walk over and ask, "Can I play?" My friend might say, "Not right now."
  • Hearing no can feel disappointing. Many people feel disappointed when a plan does not work out right away.
  • My friend might be finishing a turn, solving a problem, or needing a quiet minute. That does not mean they never want to play with me.
  • I can say, "Okay, maybe later," in a calm voice. That lets my friend know I heard them.
  • I can choose another activity, join a different group, or play on my own for a few minutes. I can also ask a different friend if they want to play.
  • Later, I can ask again or ask my teacher to help us make a plan to play together.

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.

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