Shoe Superstars Social Story I Can Keep My Shoes On
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________
Every day I come to school to learn and play with my friends.
1
When I am at school, I wear my shoes on my feet.
2
Shoes keep my feet safe from germs and sharp things on the floor.
3
I keep my shoes on all day. I wait until it is time to go home to take them off.
4
If my feet feel hot or tight, I can ask my teacher for a "shoe squeeze."
5
I can also ask for a break if I need to move my toes for a minute.
6
When I keep my shoes on, my teacher is happy and my feet stay clean.
7
I am a Shoe Superstar! I can keep my shoes on at school.
8
I AM A SHOE SUPERSTAR!
Place a photo or draw a picture of you in your shoes here!
Shoe Superstar Tracker Positive Reinforcement Tool
Shoe Superstar Tracker
"I can keep my shoes on all day!"
Student Name
________________________
Week Of
________________________
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
Weekly Goal Reward
Write or draw the reward here...
Shoe Support Cards Shoe Support Cards
Cut these out and laminate them for the student to use at their desk.
SHOE
SQUEEZE
I need a firm squeeze on my feet.
TOE
BREAK
I need 1 minute to move my toes.
SHOES
ON
My feet are safe and clean.
SHOE
HERO
I am doing a great job!
Teacher Tip: Keep these on a binder ring or Velcroed to the corner of the student's desk for quick access when they feel the urge to remove their shoes.
Shoe Superstar Teacher Guide Shoe Superstar
Teacher Implementation Guide
Lesson Overview
This intervention is designed for young students (specifically those with sensory processing differences often seen in autism) who struggle to keep their shoes on during school. The goal is to provide a clear social narrative, visual communication tools for sensory needs, and a consistent reinforcement system.
The Sensory "Why"
• Tactile Defensiveness: The texture or "tightness" feels painful or overwhelming.
• Proprioceptive Seeking: The student needs deep pressure (the "shoe squeeze").
• Temperature: Feet may feel too hot in certain shoe types.
Best Practices
• Read the social story daily before the behavior typically occurs.
• Use high-frequency reinforcement (stars) early on, then fade.
• Honor the "Toe Break" card immediately to build trust.
Implementation Steps
1
Introduce the Narrative
Read the Shoe Superstars Social Story together. Focus on page 5 and 6, which offer the "replacement behaviors." Ensure the student knows what a "Shoe Squeeze" is (firm pressure on the top and sides of the foot while the shoe is on).
2
Setup Communication
Laminate and cut the Shoe Support Cards. Attach them to the student's desk or a lanyard. Prompt the student to touch the "Toe Break" card if they start fiddling with their laces or Velcro.
3
Launch the Tracker
Use the Shoe Superstar Tracker. Set a manageable goal (e.g., 2 stars = 5 mins of iPad) and gradually increase the requirement as the student succeeds. The trophy is for completing the whole day.
Troubleshooting
"The student takes them off anyway": Do not engage in a power struggle. Calmly gesture to the "Shoes On" card, put the shoes back on, and prompt for a "Shoe Squeeze" or a "Toe Break" instead.
"They ask for a break every 5 minutes": Honor the request but use a visual timer (1-2 minutes). Gradually increase the time between allowable "Toe Breaks" as they become more comfortable.
Shoe Superstars Social Story Concise Shoe Superstar Story
Name: ____________________ Date: __________
I wear my shoes at school.
1
Shoes keep my feet safe and clean.
2
I can ask for a "shoe squeeze."
3
I can ask for a "toe break."
4
I keep my shoes on all day.
5
I am a Shoe Superstar!
6
"I keep my feet safe and clean at school!"
