Social story topics
Social story: Wearing a hat at school
A hat presses on the head, rubs the ears, flaps in the wind and gets in the way of seeing. For students who find touch and texture intense, a hat can be a real barrier to playing outside, and the rule about wearing one can turn every lunchtime into an argument.
This story explains why the hat is worn, acknowledges that it can feel strange, and sets out a plan: hat on at the door, a few minutes to get used to it, and who to ask if it hurts. Read it before the first play break, and pair it with time to choose a hat that fits well.
A sample story
My Hat Outside at School
- 1At school, I wear a hat when I go outside.
- 2The sun can burn the skin on my head.
- 3My teacher wants my head to be safe from the sun.
- 4I pick up my hat, hold it by the brim, and lower it onto my head.
- 5I wear my hat outside, and my head feels cool and safe.
A sample made with HandsOnTop. Yours is written for your student.
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Tips for using it
- Let the student try a few hat styles; a soft bucket hat often beats a stiff brim.
- Put the hat on at the same point every time, for example at the classroom door.
- Make the story honest about the feeling and clear about the plan.
Common questions
What if the student refuses the hat completely?
Start with the story and a hat the student has chosen, and build up wearing time in small steps. If it still hurts, talk to the family and your learning-support team about alternatives.
Can I show the actual hat in the pictures?
You can describe it in the topic, for example "my blue bucket hat", and the illustrations will match that description. Photos of the real hat are not needed.
Does the story mention sun safety?
Yes, in simple terms a young student can follow, such as "My hat keeps the sun off my face." You can edit the wording for your school’s own language.