Talking Times Social Story Handout Talking Times in Group
A Social Story about On-Task and Off-Task Words
In my 4th grade class, we have special group times. We sit together for Calendar, Story, and Math . My job is to listen to the teacher.
On-Task or Off-Task?
"The teacher is talking about the date. I ask: 'Is it Tuesday?'"
On-Task
Off-Task
"The teacher is showing a math problem. I ask: 'Can I go home now?'"
On-Task
Off-Task
Staying on the Topic
Sometimes I think of funny stories or movies. These are private thoughts . I save them for lunch or recess.
On-Task or Off-Task?
"We are reading a book about frogs. I say: 'I have a green shirt at home!'"
On-Task
Off-Task
"The teacher asks what frogs eat. I say: 'They eat bugs!'"
On-Task
Off-Task
Quiet Voices during Learning
My brain might want to make sounds or say movie lines. I will keep my movie lines inside my brain .
On-Task or Off-Task?
"The class is quiet for reading. I hum a song from my favorite show."
On-Task
Off-Task
"The teacher asks for the next number. I say: 'Fifteen!'"
On-Task
Off-Task
Waiting for the Right Time
When I have an on-task thought , I raise my hand. I wait for my teacher to say my name before I speak.
On-Task or Off-Task?
"I raise my hand to ask how to spell a word in my writing lesson."
On-Task
Off-Task
"I shout: 'Look at that bird outside!' while the class is counting."
On-Task
Off-Task
Talking Times Sorting Mat Talking Times Sorting
Is it On-Task or Off-Task?
Name:
Date:
On-Task
Off-Task
Cut these out and glue them above
Asking a question about the math problem
Talking about a movie during calendar time
Raising my hand to share an answer
Making animal noises while the teacher reads
Saying movie lines (scripting) in group
Asking "When is lunch?" during the story
Talking Times Choice Board I have a thought!
Follow the arrows to decide what to do.
Is my thought on-task?
YES
RAISE MY HAND
"The teacher is talking about this."
NO
KEEP IT INSIDE
"Save it for later."
Is it on-task?
The lesson
Movies/TV
The teacher
Personal stories
Talking Times Daily Rubric Handout Talking Times Check-In
How did I do in group today?
Name:
Date:
Activity:
Raised My Hand
Self-Rating
I forgot
I tried
Great Job!
Stayed On-Task
Self-Rating
Hard Time
A little off
Right on!
No Scripts/Noises
Self-Rating
Loud brain
Some noises
Quiet brain
Teacher's Note Talking Times Teacher Guide Handout Implementation Guide
Talking Times Boundaries
Resource Overview
This toolkit is designed to help 4th-grade students with autism discriminate between on-task (instructional) and off-task (personal/scripting) vocalizations during group instruction.
On-Task Examples
Questions about math, answering teacher prompts, raising hand to contribute to the lesson.
Off-Task Examples
Movie scripting, unrelated personal stories, random noises (bzz, hum), blurting non-instructional info.
How to Use
1
The Social Story
Read the story 1-on-1 before group instruction. Have the student complete the "On-Task or Off-Task?" check-ins on every page to ensure comprehension.
2
The Choice Board
Laminate and tape the choice board to the student's desk in their line of sight. Use a silent prompt (pointing to the board) if they begin to blurt off-task content.
3
The Daily Rubric
Immediately after group instruction, have the student rate themselves. Compare their rating to your observation to build self-awareness.
Teacher Pro-Tips
Wait Time: Always wait for the student to raise their hand before acknowledging an on-task thought.Scripting Break: If scripting is frequent, provide a designated "Scripting Break" where they can talk about their movies for 2 minutes as a reward for staying on-task.Visual Prompts: Keep a small red/green card to hold up as a non-verbal cue during lessons. 
