Social Story About Following Directions (Free & Printable)

When a child does not follow a direction, it can look like defiance. Often something else is going on: they did not hear it, did not understand it, are deep in an activity, or are overwhelmed by too many steps at once. Children with autism, ADHD or language delays can struggle with spoken directions even when they want to cooperate.

This social story explains why grown-ups give directions, breaks following them into simple steps, and tells the child what to do when they do not understand. It is meant to build cooperation and confidence, not blind obedience.

Want this story with your child’s name? Use the free personalizer below or open the full social story generator.

Listening and Following Directions

My name is Ruby. At home and at school, grown-ups help me.
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Sometimes a grown-up tells me what to do next. This is called a direction.
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A direction might be “Put your shoes on” or “Please clean up the blocks.”
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Grown-ups give directions to keep me safe and to help the day go smoothly.
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When I hear my name, I can stop and look at the grown-up.
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I can listen to the words. Then I can try to do what they asked.
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If I do not understand, I can say, “Can you show me?” or “What do I do first?”
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Sometimes I do not want to stop what I am doing. That is okay to feel. I can still try.
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When I follow directions, things feel easier and grown-ups are proud of me.
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Why this social story helps

The story gives a clear routine (stop, look, listen, do) and, importantly, a way out when the child is confused. Many children who appear not to listen simply do not know how to say they did not understand. Naming the reluctant feeling also keeps the story honest rather than preachy.

How to use this social story

Print the story (two pages per sheet works well) or show it on a tablet.
Read it together once a day during a calm time, for at least a few days before the situation.
Read it again just before the situation happens, and keep a copy nearby as a reminder.
Swap the name and details for your child, or add real photos, so it matches their world.

What makes this a good social story

This story follows the social story approach described by Carol Gray. It is written from the child’s point of view, uses short and literal sentences, and spends most of its words describing the situation and how people feel. Only a few sentences gently suggest what to do, and they use “I can” instead of “I must”. The story names a difficult feeling as normal and ends on an encouraging note, so the child links the situation with calm and confidence rather than with being told off.

Tips for parents and teachers

Get close and say the child’s name first, instead of calling across the room.
Give one step at a time, and add a picture or gesture if you can.
Say what to do (“Walk, please”) rather than what not to do (“Don’t run”).
Give a warning before a change, so the direction does not come as a shock.
Allow a few seconds to process before repeating yourself.

Questions to talk about after reading

What is a direction?
What do you do when you hear your name?
What can you say if you do not understand?
Why do grown-ups give directions?

Personalize this story

Add your child’s name and age and we will rewrite the story just for them. It’s free.