Safe Steps Social Story Book
My School Choices
Reader: _________________
My Safe and Happy School Day
A social story about keeping my body safe, clean, and helpful during lunch and recess.
Safe Steps Program Page 1
Part 1: Eating My Lunch
I Sit and Eat Nicely
When it is time for lunch, I walk to the cafeteria. I sit in my seat at my table. Sitting down keeps me safe and helps me digest my food.
My food stays on my tray or on my plate. Keeping my food in its place means my table stays clean. Eating my own food is healthy.
If I need to stand up or leave my seat, I raise my hand. I wait for an adult to say, "Yes, you can stand up." This helps adults know where I am.
Stay in Seat
Clean Space
Raise Hand
Safe Steps Program Page 2
Part 2: Clean Hands and Clean Nose
I Keep My Body to Myself
Sometimes my nose feels tickly or dirty. If a booger comes out, I keep it on a tissue. I do not touch other people with my hands or boogers. Wiping boogers on things or people is not safe.
Instead, I do these healthy steps:
1. Take a soft paper tissue.
2. Wipe or blow my nose gently.
3. Throw the dirty tissue in the trash can.
4. Wash my hands with warm water and soap.
My friends and teachers are happy when I have a clean body and keep my hands to myself.
Use Tissue
Throw Away
Wash Hands
Safe Steps Program Page 3
Part 3: Recess Safety
I Play Safely Outside
Recess is a fun time to run and play outside. I stay where my teachers can see me. I stay inside the green grass and blacktop play zones. This is called staying with adults.
If I want to go to a new place or use the bathroom, I walk to my teacher first. I say, "I need to go to the bathroom," or "Can I go here?" and wait for them to walk with me or say yes.
I keep my hands and feet safe. Playing gently is fun. If I feel angry, tired, or overwhelmed, I can use my words. I can say, "I need a break," and walk to a quiet space. I am a safe helper and classmate.
Stay in Sight
Ask Adults
Gentle Play
Safe Steps Program Page 4
Safe Steps Desk Visuals
My Safe Steps Visual Rules
Print, Cut, & Laminate
Directions: Cut out the strips below. Tape the Lunch Strip to the student's desk, and give the Recess Visual to the student or supervisor.
✂️ Cut Here - Desk Lunch Strip
MY LUNCH RULES
I can make smart choices!
STAY IN SEAT Feet on floor
CLEAN PLATE Food stays here
USE TISSUE Wipe & throw
RAISE HAND Wait to stand
✂️ Cut Here - Desk Recess Strip
MY RECESS RULES
I play safe and happy!
STAY IN SIGHT In green zone
ASK ADULT To go anywhere
SAFE PLAY Hands to self
USE WORDS "I need a break"
✂️ Pocket/Keychain Card
My Break Card
Keep in pocket or clip to binder
I CAN ASK FOR A BREAK
"I need a deep breath. Can I sit quietly?"
Show this card to an adult anytime.
Safe Day Tracker
My successful, safe choice days!
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
I can do it! I stay safe!
Safe Steps Program • Desk & Pocket Visuals Page 1 of 1
Safe Steps Teacher Guide
Safe Steps Teacher Guide
Behavior Intervention Blueprint • Grade 3 Lunch & Recess Support
Staff Resource
1. Social Story Reading Routine
Daily Frequency: Read the booklet once daily, ideally 15-20 minutes before the transition to lunch. Do not read it as a punishment after a behavioral event.
Reading Strategy: Sit next to the student. Have them follow along or read aloud if comfortable. Encourage them to point to the visual icons. Keep the tone warm, matter-of-fact, and encouraging.
Comprehension Check: After reading, ask positive cue questions: "Where does our food stay at lunch?" or "What do we do if we want to go somewhere else at recess?"
2. Using the Desk Visual Strips
Placement: Secure the Lunch Strip to the top-right corner of his lunch tray or standard desk. Keep the Recess Strip laminated and with the recess supervisor.
Prompting Hierarchy: First use silent pointing to highlight the target icon (e.g., pointing to "Stay in Seat" if he begins to stand). If needed, transition to a direct verbal prompt referencing the visual: "Look at your card. You are sitting down."
Pocket Break Card: Teach the student that handing the break card to an adult allows him to walk to the designated calm area for 2 minutes, no questions asked.
3. Response to Target Behaviors
Hygiene & Food Mess
- Block attempts to touch others/wipe nose on surfaces immediately.
- Hand him a tissue silently. Avoid lecturing.
- Redirect verbally to wash hands: "First tissue, then sink."
Elopement & Aggression
- Position staff between student and exit/boundary lines.
- If he moves past boundaries, walk block with minimal eye contact.
- Use simple physical block for aggression. Offer the pocket break card.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Reward the student with a sticker or stamp on their Safe Day Tracker at the end of every school day if they:
Stayed seated during lunch
Kept hygiene to oneself
Stayed in safe recess zones
Safe Steps Program • Teacher Guide Page 1 of 1
