Being Kind to Animals Social Story

Students will identify at least three specific behaviours to avoid when interacting with an animal.

Students will state the correct steps for safely greeting an animal, including asking the owner first.

Students will recognize that animals have feelings and can feel pain, supporting a personal commitment to gentle handling.

Read one or two pages at a time rather than the whole story in one sitting, and revisit the story before a planned encounter with a pet, such as a class visit or a home pet.

Pair the story with a simple role-play: practice asking "Can I say hello to your pet?" and practice waiting for permission and gentle petting motions using a stuffed animal. Include asking an adult for help when unsure.

Emotional recognition — naming feelings like excitement and fear that come up around animals, as a first step toward managing a reaction to them.

Perspective-taking — understanding that an animal has feelings and can feel pain, similar to a person.

Safe-interaction sequencing — following an ordered plan (ask the owner, wait for permission, then pat gently) before touching an unfamiliar animal.

Self-regulation and help-seeking — recognizing when to walk away or tell a grown-up if an animal is causing fear or distress.