It’s OK to Make Mistakes Social Story

The It’s Okay to Make Mistakes social story delivers a reassuring message that normalizes and validates errors in learning. Making mistakes can cause anxiety for many children, especially those on the autism spectrum. This social narrative uses a patient tone and visuals to explain expected responses to mistakes at school. The story reassures children that everyone makes mistakes when learning new things. It emphasizes teacher support and provides tips for overcoming mistakes like asking for help, trying again, and thinking positively.

Social stories outline social rules and expectations in a concrete way children comprehend. This story reduces anxiety around imperfection and fosters a growth mindset. It guides children to see mistakes as an opportunity to improve rather than a source of shame. Teachers, counselors, and parents can use this story to shape perspectives on academic challenges. It builds confidence and resilience by teaching mistake-making is a normal part of gaining knowledge. Children learn to self-regulate emotional reactions and adopt constructive responses. For neurodiverse learners, the clear explanations empower independent problem-solving. This social narrative delivers a lesson essential for social-emotional health - we must allow ourselves and others to be imperfect. It provides a research-backed way to instill this outlook through modeling and reassurance.

These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them.

Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt.