Social Story Templates

Social Stories About Using Kind Words

Kind words matter a lot, even when the world is busy and children are doing their best with a face that says “I have definitely not had enough snacks for this conversation.” A gentle phrase can make a huge difference to how safe, included, and understood other people feel.

That is where social stories can help. They show children how to use kind words, when to say them, and why they matter in everyday life. This page brings together our social stories about using kind words, friendly language, compliments, and respectful ways to speak to other people.

Kind words social stories illustration

Choose from the topics below -

On Christmas, I might get presents from my family and friends

Getting Presents on Christmas

christmas family holidays kind-words

What to expect around giving and receiving presents during the festive season.

I can use kind words like hello, please, thank you, and sorry

Sorry!
Hello!
Thank you
Please

Using Kind Words

friends kind-words social-skills

That kind words can make other people feel good and can help everyday interactions go more smoothly.

On my birthday, I might get presents from my family and friends

It's my birthday!

Getting Presents on my Birthday

birthday family holidays kind-words

Sometimes I need help with something in school or at home

I can't find my socks!

Asking for Help Nicely

classroom family friends kind-words

A social story that helps children learn how to ask for help in a polite manner at school or at home

Sometimes when I see something I like about a person, it’s nice to tell them

Giving Compliments

family friends kind-words

Helping children learn how to give compliments using kind words

Sometimes I make mistakes by accident

Oops! I broke the window

Saying Sorry and Being Forgiving

family friends kind-words

Supports children in understanding mistakes, using kind words, and building positive relationships with others

Sometimes, when I see my teacher or a friend, I can say “Hello” and smile

Hello

Saying Hello and Goodbye

family friends kind-words

Encourages children in building confidence when starting and ending conversations using kind words, smiles, and friendly gestures

Sometimes, when I ask for something, someone can say “no”

Mum, can I have an ice cream? The ice cream van is here

Accepting “No” Politely

classroom family friends kind-words

Helping children learn how to accept “no” by explaining what people mean when they say ‘no

Sometimes I need help from staff. I may feel uncomfortable or frustrated while I wait

I need help. Can you please come quickly?

Waiting for Help

kind-words medical

How to wait calmly for support offering simple strategies to stay calm and feel in control when staff are assisting others

Each week, I can make safe and kind choices

I can get rewards for my kind choices

My Safe and Kind Choices Reward

kind-words routine social-skills

Helps children understand reward systems, shopping rewards, and positive behaviour support (On-Demand Social Story)

Sometimes my brain gets stuck on a problem or worry

I can't stop thinking about it

I Can Come Back to It Later

feelings kind-words social-skills waiting

A social story about stuck thoughts, worries, and letting go. Helps children use calming strategies and return to problems later when they are calm

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FAQs

These stories work best when they are used as a model for the words children can use themselves, not just as a reminder about what other people should say.

  • Read the story when things are calm - Children learn best when they can hear and practise the words before they need them.
  • Practise the phrases together - Rehearsing friendly words can make them easier to use in real life.
  • Notice kind language in action - Pointing out helpful words helps children see what kindness sounds like.
  • Model the language yourself - Adults set the tone. Children usually follow what they hear and see.

These stories are helpful for autistic and neurodivergent children, and for any child who benefits from clear examples of how to speak kindly, clearly, and respectfully to other people.

You can use these stories before school, before playdates, after a disagreement, or any time you want to support positive communication from the child.

These kind words social stories can help children with:

  • using polite language
  • giving compliments
  • speaking kindly to classmates and family members
  • repairing friendships after conflict
  • understanding tone of voice
  • building positive social habits

A kind words social story is a short, simple story that shows children how to use kind, helpful language in everyday situations.

Yes. They can support friendship skills by showing children how gentle words help other people feel safe, respected, and included.

No. They can be used at home, at school, on outings, and anywhere children are talking to other people.

Usually a few clear examples are enough. The key is to make the language simple and easy to remember so children can use it themselves.