When to Laugh Social Story
Kindergarten SEL Social Story Series
When Is It Okay
to Laugh?
My Social Story • Kindergarten Edition
Laughter is Fun!
Jokes, funny games, and playing together with friends.
Kindness Matters!
Caring for feelings, helping, and using warm words.
"A gentle story to help us make thoughtful, caring choices every day."
My Name:
Name & Self-Regulation Reader Ready for Circle Time & Small Groups
Page 1 Joy & Giggles
Social Story
Everyone Laughs!
Laughing feels good in our body.
🃏 Telling a funny knock-knock joke
🎈 Playing a silly playground game
I like to laugh!
Laughing is fun. I can laugh when I hear a funny joke or play a silly game.
But I need to think about what is happening.
💡 Tip: Is everyone smiling with me? When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 2 Classroom Learning
Social Story
When Someone Gets an Answer Wrong
Mistakes help our brains grow bigger.
Teacher Asks
➔
Friend Tries
➔
Kind Words
✕
Do not laugh or point at friends.
✓
Keep a caring, patient face.
Sometimes my teacher asks a question.
My friend might give the wrong answer. I might think it is funny.
But getting an answer wrong is okay!
Everyone makes mistakes. I make mistakes, too.
I can be kind instead of laughing.
🧠 Remember: Mistakes show that we are trying! When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 3 Learning Together
Social Story
Everyone Is Learning
We are a team in our classroom.
Nobody knows every answer.
We are all learning!
I can say:
Helpful Words #1
“That’s okay!”
Give a friendly nod so they feel safe.
Helpful Words #2
“Let’s try again!”
Cheer for your friend to try once more.
I can help my friends feel good.
💬 Practice: Turn to a partner and say “You can do it!” When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 4 Helping & Safety
Social Story
When Someone Gets Hurt
Safety and caring always come first.
🚫 Laughing hurts their feelings even more!
If I fall down or scrape my knee, I might feel scared, embarrassed, or hurt. I want someone to help me!
If someone falls or gets hurt, I should not laugh at them.
Step 1
I can ask: “Are you okay?”
Step 2
I can get a grown-up to help.
🤝 Action: Ask “Are you okay?” and find a teacher! When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 5 Empathy & Friendship
Social Story
When Someone Is Sad
Crying shows that big feelings need care.
➔
Kind words I can use:
“Would you like a tissue?” “Do you want to sit with me?” “I'm here for you.”
If someone is crying, they might feel sad.
This is not a time to laugh at them.
I can be a good friend.
I can use kind words.
💛 Caring: A kind friend makes a sad day brighter! When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 6 Classroom Respect
Social Story
When the Teacher Is Talking
Listening ears help everybody learn.
Ears
Listening
Eyes
Looking
Mouth
Quiet & Calm
When my teacher is talking, I listen.
I can keep my laughter quiet.
I can save funny thoughts for playtime.
🎈 Brain Pocket Trick: Put your giggle in your pocket and let it out at recess!
🕒 Timing: There is a time to listen and a time to giggle! When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 7 Self-Regulation
Social Story
If I Laugh at the Wrong Time
I can always pause and make it right.
Sometimes I might laugh before I think.
That is okay. I am learning!
I can:
1
Action
Stop.
2
Action
Take a breath.
3
Action
Think about other people's feelings.
4
Action
Say, “I'm sorry.”
I can make a better choice next time.
🌬️ Deep Breath: Smell the flower, blow out the candle! When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Page 8 Kindness Guide
Social Story
I Can Be Kind!
My easy guide to caring laughter.
✓
It is okay to laugh when:
Something is funny and everyone is having fun.
✕
I should not laugh at someone who:
Gets an answer wrong.
Falls down.
Gets hurt.
Makes a mistake.
Feels sad.
I can laugh, have fun, and be kind!
⭐ Superstar: You are a thoughtful, caring friend! When Is It Okay to Laugh?
Practice Activity Check Your Choices
Kindergarten Fun
What should I do?
Listen or read each story. Put a check in the box for what you should do!
1. My friend gets an answer wrong.
Laugh at them
Be kind
2. My friend tells a funny joke.
Laugh
Cry
3. Someone falls and gets hurt.
Help them
Laugh at them
4. My teacher is teaching.
Listen
Interrupt and laugh
Remember: Everyone makes mistakes. We can learn together!
Teacher / Parent Check:
Kindness Star Awarded!
