Using Gentle Hands with Our Toys

When to use this story

This social story, "Using Gentle Hands with Our Toys," is designed for preschoolers, particularly those aged 3-5 years, who are learning to navigate their emotions and interactions with others. It’s a great resource for parents, teachers, and therapists to introduce concepts of gentle play and emotional awareness. Use this story in settings where children are learning to share toys or when they might need guidance on how to express their feelings appropriately after an incident. It can also serve as a conversation starter about kindness and consideration during playtime.

What's inside

This printable social story follows a relatable narrative about a child who discovers the importance of using gentle hands while playing with toys. The story begins with a fun moment of play involving a remote control, which quickly turns into a lesson about the impact of our actions on others. As the child throws the remote, they learn about feelings—both their own and those of their mom—highlighting the importance of saying sorry and making amends.

The story is structured to engage young learners, featuring simple language and relatable scenarios. It includes activities such as vocabulary building, spelling, comprehension questions, and opportunities for creative expression and role-play, allowing children to practice what they've learned in a safe and supportive environment.

What kids learn

Through this story, children will learn:

• The value of using gentle hands when playing with toys.
• How their actions can affect others and the importance of being mindful.
• The significance of expressing feelings and making apologies when needed.
• Ways to take a breath and calm down when they feel upset or frustrated.
• How to engage in discussions about feelings with caregivers and peers.

Research context

The tradition of social stories, pioneered by Carol Gray, emphasizes the power of narrative in teaching social skills and emotional regulation. Research suggests that stories can provide accessible frameworks for children to understand complex social situations and emotional responses. Narrative-based social-emotional learning (SEL) fosters empathy and social awareness by allowing children to relate to characters and scenarios presented in a story format. This approach is particularly effective for young learners who benefit from concrete examples and relatable experiences.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read together: Go through the story with your child, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings about the events.
• Role-play: After reading, act out scenarios from the story to reinforce understanding and practice gentle hands in play.
• Discuss feelings: Use the story as a springboard to talk about emotions and the importance of apologies in daily life.
• Encourage gentle play: Set clear expectations about using gentle hands with toys, and reinforce this through consistent reminders and praise.
• Create a calm-down routine: Help your child develop their own strategies for managing strong emotions when play does not go as planned.