Social Story Sleuths Lesson Plan Social Story Sleuths Lesson Plan
Tier 2 Social Skills • 6th Grade
30 Minutes
Mission Objective
Students will be able to identify key social cues and appropriate responses using social stories to navigate various social situations effectively.
The "Why"
"Understanding social situations reduces anxiety and builds confidence, helping students feel like they have a map for tricky interactions."
Briefing Preparation
Review Slide Deck and Activity Case Files.
Print copies of Social Story Examples Activity .
Print Reflection Worksheet (one per student).
Set up projector for visual presentation.
Materials Needed
Social Story Sleuths Slide Deck
Social Story Examples Activity
Social Story Reflection Worksheet
Instructional Sequence
5m
Warm-Up: Social Spotlight
Begin with a brief discussion: "What makes a social situation 'tricky' or hard to understand sometimes? Share an example without naming anyone!"
Examples: Knowing when to join a conversation, understanding non-verbal cues.
5m
Introducing Social Stories
Use the Social Story Sleuths Slide Deck to introduce what social stories are and their purpose.
Explain they are like a "map" for social situations.
Slide 1: Title SlideSlide 2: What are Social Stories?Slide 3: Why do we use them?
15m
Social Story Deep Dive
Engage students with the Social Story Examples Activity . Read each social story aloud or have students take turns.
• Facilitate group discussion using the prompts within the activity.
• Discuss characters' feelings, appropriate actions, and potential outcomes.
• Pro-Tip: Encourage role-playing key moments from the stories if time permits.
5m
Reflect and Report
Distribute the Social Story Reflection Worksheet .
Have students complete the prompts independently or discuss as a group. Invite students to share one key takeaway or personal goal.
Social Story Sleuths Slide Deck Top Secret: Social Intelligence Agency
Social Story Sleuths
Unlocking Social Clues for Everyday Life
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the exciting theme of becoming social story 'sleuths.' Explain that today they'll learn to unlock social clues.
What Are Social Stories?
A short, simple story about a specific social situation .
It helps you understand what might happen .
It explains why people might act or feel a certain way.
It suggests helpful ways you can respond.
"Like a Map for Socializing"
Teacher Notes: Define what a social story is in simple terms. Emphasize it's a guide, not a rulebook, and helps with understanding.
Why Do We Use Them?
Read the Room
Understand social cues and learn to 'read' tricky situations before they happen.
Speak Up
Know exactly what to say and how to act to get your message across clearly.
Reduce Worries
Feel more prepared and less anxious about new or challenging social moments.
Build Confidence
Interact with others more easily and successfully every single day.
Teacher Notes: Explain the practical benefits. Connect it to real-life situations they might encounter.
Case File #1
STATUS: CLASSIFIED
The Group Project Dilemma
Imagine you're working on a group project. Everyone has ideas, but how do you make sure everyone feels heard and the work gets done fairly?
Let's uncover the clues!
Teacher Notes: Introduce the first case file. Prepare students to listen carefully. This sets up the first story from the Activity sheet.
Case File #2
STATUS: OPEN
Lunchroom Line Up
The lunch line is long and everyone is hungry. How do you navigate the crowd and get your food without any fuss?
Time to unlock the secrets!
Teacher Notes: Introduce the second case file. Encourage students to think about everyday interactions and how a social story can help.
Your Turn, Sleuths!
It's time to put your detective skills to the test and investigate these case files.
Group Activity
Discuss the stories and uncover what you learned.
Worksheet
Reflect on the key takeaways and set your goals.
Teacher Notes: Transition to the activity and worksheet. Explain they will now apply what they've learned in the group session.
Social Story Examples Activity CASE FILES: SOCIAL STORIES
Social Intelligence Agency • Investigative Report
Top Secret
Welcome, Social Story Sleuths! Your mission is to read these case files and uncover the social clues to understand and navigate tricky situations.
CASE FILE #1: THE GROUP PROJECT DILEMMA
ID: ECO-992
Situation:
Ms. Davis announced a new group project. Sarah immediately starts talking about her ideas, wanting to be the leader. Ben has good ideas but can't get a word in. Maria feels left out and isn't sure how to contribute.
Feelings:
Sarah: Excited Ben: Frustrated Maria: Shy/Confused
Investigation Findings:
Sarah: Can pause and ask, "What do you two think?"Ben: Can say, "That's a great point. I also thought of..."Maria: Can start with, "I have an idea..." or "I can help with..."
Investigative Debriefing:
1. What was challenging about this group project situation for Ben and Maria?
2. What did Sarah learn about being a good group member?
3. If you were Ben, what would you say?
4. How could Maria show she wants to contribute?
CASE FILE #2: LUNCHROOM LINE UP
ID: CAF-412
Situation:
David rushes to get in the lunch line for pizza day, accidentally bumping into Chloe, who was standing patiently. Chloe looks annoyed. David doesn't notice and keeps pushing forward.
Feelings:
David: Focused/Excited Chloe: Annoyed/Invisible
Investigation Findings:
David: Can remember to slow down and look around to make sure he isn't bumping others.Chloe: Can use a calm voice to say, "Excuse me, I was here," or gently tap David to let him know.
Investigative Debriefing:
1. How do you think Chloe felt when David bumped into her?
2. What could David have done differently when he entered the line?
3. What are some ways Chloe could have responded to David?
4. Why is it important to be mindful of personal space in crowded places?
Investigation Complete
Social Story Reflection Worksheet Mission Report
S.I.A. Field Investigative Unit
Agent:
Date:
Now that you've explored the social stories, it's time to reflect on what you've learned to become an even better social sleuth!
PART 1
Social Story Discoveries
1. From the "Group Project Dilemma" story, what was one important social clue you discovered about working in a group?
2. In the "Lunchroom Line Up" story, what did you learn about navigating crowded spaces respectfully?
3. Think about a time you found a social situation tricky. How could a social story have helped you understand it better or know how to respond?
PART 2
Personal Social Goals
4. Based on today's lesson, what is one social skill or rule you want to practice more this week? (Examples: listening carefully, asking others for their ideas, respecting personal space, speaking up politely)
5. Describe how you will try to practice this skill. Where might you use it?
Certified
Social Story Sleuths Answer Key ANSWER KEY & DISCUSSION GUIDE
Social Story Sleuths • Teacher Resource
Case File 1: The Group Project Dilemma
1. What was challenging about this group project situation for Ben and Maria?
Ben felt frustrated because he couldn't get a word in despite having good ideas. Maria felt left out and shy, making her unsure of how to contribute at all.
2. What did Sarah learn about being a good group member?
Sarah learned that she needs to take a breath and remember that everyone has valuable ideas. She learned to pause and actively invite others to share by asking questions like "What do you think?"
3. If you were Ben, what would you say?
"That's a great point, Sarah. I also thought of [Idea]..." or "Wait, can I share my thought on that too?"
4. How could Maria show she wants to contribute?
She could use a calm voice to say, "I have an idea..." or offer to help with a specific task like, "I can help with the drawings!"
Case File 2: Lunchroom Line Up
1. How do you think Chloe felt when David bumped into her?
She felt annoyed, perhaps a bit angry, and felt "invisible" or ignored by David.
2. What could David have done differently when he entered the line?
He could have slowed down, looked at the students already in line, and kept a respectful distance from others while waiting his turn.
3. What are some ways Chloe could have responded to David?
She could have used an "I-statement" or a calm request like, "Excuse me David, I was standing here," or a gentle tap to get his attention if he didn't notice her.
4. Why is it important to be mindful of personal space in crowded places?
It shows respect for others, prevents accidents/frustration, and helps everyone feel safe and comfortable in shared environments.
Discussion Facilitation Tip
Encourage students to relate these "fictional" characters to their own experiences. Ask: "Has anyone ever felt like Maria in a group? What did you do?" This helps bridge the social story to real-life application.
