Social Story About Sharing (Free & Printable)

Sharing is a big ask for a young child. When a favorite toy leaves their hands, many children cannot yet trust that it will come back. Add rigid thinking or strong interests, which are common in autism, and sharing can quickly turn into tears.

This social story focuses on taking turns, which is more concrete than “sharing”. It explains that the toy comes back, gives the child a script for asking, and reminds them that waiting is temporary.

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

Taking Turns With Toys

My name is Ava. I like to play with toys at school and at home.
1
My favorite toy is the red train. Other kids like the red train too.
2
When two people want the same toy, we can take turns.
3
If I want a turn, I can ask, “Can I have a turn when you are done?”
4
Sometimes I need to wait. While I wait, I can play with something else.
5
A grown-up might use a timer. When the timer rings, it is the next person’s turn.
6
When it is my friend’s turn, I give the toy gently. My turn will come again.
7
Sharing makes my friends happy. They like to play with me when I take turns.
8
I am learning to take turns. I can do it!
9

Why this social story helps

The story turns an abstract value into a predictable sequence: ask, wait, play with something else, give the toy gently, get it back. Adding a timer gives a visible end to the waiting, which is particularly helpful for children who struggle with uncertainty.

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

Introduce a sand timer or visual timer and use it the same way every time.
Model the script yourself: “Can I have a turn when you are done?”
Start practicing with less-loved toys before asking the child to share a favorite.
Let the child keep one or two special items that do not have to be shared.
Notice and name it when other children share with them, so they see the reward of turn-taking.

Questions to talk about after reading

What can you say if you want a turn?
What can you do while you wait?
How do you know when your turn is finished?
How do your friends feel when you share?

Personalize this story

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