Hands Are for Helping, Not Hitting

When to use this story

This social story is a valuable resource for preschool children aged 3-5 who are learning to navigate their emotions and interactions with peers. It is especially helpful during times when children may feel frustrated or upset, providing them with a framework for understanding their feelings and appropriately expressing them. Use this story in classroom settings, during playdates, or at home when discussing feelings and behaviors with children. It can also be beneficial during transitions or changes in routine when emotions may run high.

What's inside

"Hands Are for Helping, Not Hitting" offers a gentle narrative that invites young readers to explore their emotions. The story begins with relatable feelings, such as anger and frustration, and illustrates how these emotions can lead to the desire to hit. Through simple phrases, children learn that while it's normal to feel strong emotions, there are healthier ways to express them. The story emphasizes empathy by showing how hitting can hurt friends, leading to feelings of sadness. This narrative encourages children to think about their actions and the feelings of others, fostering a sense of kindness and support.

In addition to the story, the accompanying activities include vocabulary building, spelling exercises, comprehension questions, open-ended prompts, creative tasks, and role-playing scenarios. These activities help reinforce the lessons from the story, allowing children to practice positive behaviors in a fun and engaging manner.

What kids learn

Children will learn important social-emotional skills through this story. They will:

• Recognize and label their emotions, understanding that feeling mad is a normal part of life.
• Understand that their hands can be used to help rather than hurt, promoting positive actions.
• Develop empathy by reflecting on how their actions affect the feelings of friends.
• Practice expressing their feelings in constructive ways, moving away from hitting.
• Engage in problem-solving discussions about what to do when they feel angry or upset.

Research context

The tradition of using social stories to teach social understanding and emotional regulation is well-established. Pioneered by Carol Gray, social stories provide structured narratives that help children visualize and comprehend appropriate behaviors in various situations. Research in narrative-based social-emotional learning (SEL) supports the effectiveness of storytelling in enhancing children's emotional awareness and social skills. By grounding lessons in relatable experiences, children are more likely to internalize these important concepts and apply them in their daily lives.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together with your child, pausing to discuss their feelings and experiences related to the themes.
• After reading, role-play situations where they might feel mad, practicing alternative actions to hitting.
• Encourage open conversations about emotions, validating their feelings while guiding them toward positive expressions.
• Use the accompanying activities to reinforce learning and make it interactive.
• Create a feelings chart at home or in the classroom where children can express how they feel each day.
• Remind children that it’s okay to feel strong emotions, but it’s important to choose how they respond.