Social story topics
Social story: Joining a game at recess
Joining a game that has already started is one of the hardest social moves a child makes. You have to read what is happening, find a gap, say the right words and cope with a no. For many autistic and neurodivergent students the playground is where the loneliness happens, not the classroom.
This story breaks the move into steps: watch for a moment, pick a person, use a short script, and have a plan for "not now". It also names other good things to do at recess, so a no is not the end of the break. Read it before recess and rehearse with a buddy.
A sample story
Joining a Game at Recess
- 1At recess, some kids play a game outside.
- 2I watch the game and wait for a good moment to walk over.
- 3Sometimes it feels hard to know what to say first.
- 4I walk up to the kids and say, 'Can I play too?'
- 5I join the game, and I feel good being part of it.
A sample made with HandsOnTop. Yours is written for your student.
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Tips for using it
- Set up a buddy or a club so there is a guaranteed yes at least some days.
- Give the student a short joining script and practise it.
- Have a plan B for recess that the student genuinely likes.
Common questions
What if the other children say no?
The story prepares for it: "Sometimes they say not now. I can try another game or go to the library." Planning for a no takes most of the sting out of it.
Can the story name a buddy?
Yes. If the school runs a buddy or a lunchtime club, put it in. A reliable place to go beats a script every time.
Is recess the right place to start?
Often a structured game in class is easier first. Use the taking-turns story for that, then this one when the student is ready for the playground.