Thanksgiving-Themed Social Story Books
- Pathways to Potential
- Nov 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's the perfect time to explore the themes of gratitude and appreciation with children. Social stories can be an effective tool for children with autism to understand social situations, emotions, and expectations. This blog post will highlight some engaging Thanksgiving-themed social story books. These stories can not only foster understanding of the holiday but also create opportunities for discussion and connection within families.
The Importance of Social Stories
Social stories are short, personalized narratives that help children understand specific social situations or concepts by framing them in relatable contexts. For children with autism, these stories can provide clarity and predictability, making transitions and new experiences less overwhelming. Incorporating Thanksgiving stories into your routine can enhance social skills, improve emotional understanding, and encourage a spirit of gratitude.
Recommended Thanksgiving-Themed Social Stories
1. "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson
This charming tale follows Bear and his friends as they gather together to celebrate the season of thanks. The book emphasizes themes of friendship, sharing, and gratitude, making it an excellent choice for discussing the importance of being thankful for those around us. Use illustrations and key phrases from the book to prompt discussions about what children appreciate about their friends and family.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon:
There is also a great read aloud available on You Tube:
2. "Thanks for Thanksgiving" by Julie Markes
This book takes readers through a child's delightful exploration of what Thanksgiving means— from family gatherings to special traditions. It offers a simple yet impactful look at the many things one can be thankful for. After reading, engage in a discussion about what Thanksgiving means to your family and encourage children to identify their own traditions to share with the group.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon:
Here is the You Tube link for the read aloud story:
3. "The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr
Todd Parr's vibrant illustrations and simple text create an engaging way to discuss gratitude. The book covers a wide array of things to be thankful for, from pets and friends to sunny days and good food. Using each page as a starting point, take turns with your child identifying things they feel thankful for, enhancing both communication and bonding.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon:
Here is the You Tube link for the read aloud story:
4. "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano
In this humorous story, a turkey decides to disguise itself to avoid becoming dinner. While the primary focus is on problem-solving, it offers insights into creativity and the spirit of kindness. Discussing the turkey’s resourcefulness can lead to conversations about how to show kindness and gratitude, especially giving thanks to those who support us.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon:
Your child may also enjoy the read aloud video on You Tube:
Using Social Stories at Home
1. Read Together: Spend time reading the books together, using expressive language and encouraging your child to engage by pointing out pictures or repeating key phrases.
2. Create Personalized Social Stories: After reading, consider integrating your family's traditions by creating personalized social stories. Ask your child what they are thankful for and write those responses down with accompanying pictures to create a unique story that reflects your family’s values and experiences.
3. Discussion Prompts: After reading each book, use discussion prompts like “What did Bear say thanks for?” or “What are you thankful for?” Prepare visual cues or emotion cards to support their responses and help create a dialogue.
4. Interactive Activities: Reinforce gratitude lessons through hands-on activities such as making thank-you cards for family members, preparing a Thanksgiving craft, or setting up a gratitude jar where children can add notes about what they are thankful for throughout the season.
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