We are a School Psychologist and Classroom Teacher, each with over 20 years experience working in Inner City schools. We are passionate about advocating for the exceptional abilities of educators, students and families, hoping to inspire others in the process!
We offer a range of educational and wellness resources, ranging from social stories, interventions, to lesson plans, digital prints and workbooks.
Please take some time to enjoy our Wellness Playground!
We are a School Psychologist and Classroom Teacher, each with over 20 years experience working in Inner City schools. We are passionate about advocating for the exceptional abilities of educators, students and families, hoping to inspire others in the process!
We offer a range of educational and wellness resources, ranging from social stories, interventions, to lesson plans, digital prints and workbooks.
Please take some time to enjoy our Wellness Playground!
Social Story: Using the Stairs
Using the stairs is an important life skill that many of our children and students struggle with, whether due to difficulties with motor coordination, development, or limited experience or safety awareness.
However, with the correct guidance, we can successfully teach our children and students to use the stairs safely. This social story teaches children the steps involved in using stairs safely, and what this might look like in various settings and situations.
The social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students. It can be used by parents, students, teachers, educational assistants, and clinicians.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
13 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with your students
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
I created the Social Story: I Am Unique & Special with the purpose of teaching and showing children that they (as well as everyone they meet) are different and unique in many ways, and this makes us all special! The story helps to define what being different and unique means, and uses examples such as:
a. The way we LOOK (e.g., hair, eyes, skin, etc.)
b. They way we TALK (e.g., fast, loud, slow, quiet, etc.)
c. They way we MOVE (e.g., fast, slow, fidgety, etc.)
d. The way we ACT (e.g., excited, hyper, shy, etc.)
e. The way we FEEL (e.g., happy, mad, sad, worried, etc.)
f. Our ORIGINS: Where We Come From (e.g., country, culture, family, language, etc.)
g. SKILLS and TALENTS We Have (e.g., subjects, music, art, sports, activities, etc.)
h. The Ways We LEARN (e.g., visual, verbal, seeing, doing, etc.)
i. The Ways We Handle STRESS (e.g., screaming, hugs, withdrawing, talking, etc.)
j. The CONDITIONS We Live With (e.g., ASD, FASD, ADHD, physical handicaps, etc.)
The Story concludes by reminding our students that Being Unique and Different is What Makes Us Special! And This is Okay, and Something to Be Proud of in Others and Ourselves.
Format is 15 PAGES, colour PDF, 8.5x11, and so can be easily printed and laminated. The language is simple and visuals engaging for students of all ages, developmental and grade levels.
And, please feel free to leave your review and feedback so I can continue to provide valuable resources to my fellow educators. Thank You!!!
Sometimes our students struggle with the loss of a loved one. This Social Story: When Someone I Care About Dies, is meant to teach students about death and dying - in particular, losing someone they care about.
The social story guides the student through the concept of death (in basic terms), what death means (being alive vs. not alive), what various feelings we can experience after a loved one’s death, and what we can do to help support ourselves. It also touches on the various beliefs around death, including the afterlife. It goes on to normalize these feelings and emphasize that the grief process is healthy and we can do this on our own time, and with the support of family and others who care for us.
It is in PDF format (8.5 x 11 inches) and so can easily be printed and/or laminated. It is presented in a simple and visual format, and can be used across all ages and developmental levels.
I have personally used it in individual and group format, in elementary and special needs junior high/high school classrooms. As always, please leave feedback/review so I may continue to provide practical and meaningful resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!
This Social Story: Stimming is My Superpower, discusses the concept of Stimming, a common behaviour in children with. The story reframes stimming as a child’s SUPERPOWER - in that it helps students communicate their feeling and thoughts, and to self-regulate by calming their minds, bodies and voices. It talks about and validates the various moods that can bring on stimming behaviours, and how to best communicate (using words and/or pictures) to adults (teachers, parents) about their need to stim.
The social story provides 17 pages of visual, child-friendly content. It is in Powerpoint file, in 8.5x11 inch format, so it can be both presented (projector or Smartboard), and printed out on regular printer paper. It can be used individually or in small group or whole classroom settings. It is best suited for Grades K to 6, but can be used in junior high and high school settings as well, particularly with special education settings.
As always, please leave feedback and review so that I may continue to provide practical resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!
Many of our students have difficulties navigating the classroom and assignments, and in particular, ASKING FOR HELP. This is especially true with our students who are more anxious, worried, and have learning, developmental and/or communication difficulties.
This is a social story meant to help students ASK FOR HELP in non-threatening, and easy-to-learn ways. It provides an overview of what asking for help looks like, and reminds us that everybody needs help sometimes, and that even if they feel unsure about asking for help, there are easy ways to do this, it gets better with practice, and teachers and classmates are there to help! The social story consists of 8 pages of visual teaching of these concepts.
It is in PDF format (8.5" x 11"), and so can easily be printed and/or laminated. It is presented in a simple, fun and visual format, and can be used across all ages and developmental levels.
I have personally used it in individual and group format, in regular elementary and special needs classrooms. I hope it helps you, help your students!
Please feel free to leave your review and feedback, as I am always striving to provide valuable resources to my fellow educators. Thank You!
This resource called, AUTISM and ME: SOCIAL (SUCCESS) STORY - Strategies for Life!, is really a manual and workbook for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder to use in order to empower and educate themselves on ASD, identify with others with ASD, and learn strategies to live and cope with ASD in healthy ways.
This resource is 40 pages, and in PDF format (8.5 x 11), and so can be easily printed. It contains developmentally appropriate language and engaging visuals in order to engage the child in a fun and interactive way. There are Two Parts, with Part 1 focusing on education on ASD, and Part 2 focusing on strategies to live with ASD.
Part 1: Living with Autism - ALL ABOUT ME
Communication
Socialization
Sensory
Emotions/Feelings
Perseveration
Repetitive Movements & Behaviours/Stimming
Insistence on Sameness/Routine
Splinter skills/Interests
Emphasis on Strengths
Part 2: Living with Autism - Strategies & Ideas
Examples of Feelings and Emotional Reactions
Strategies to Process Feelings and Emotions
Strategies to Regulate Sensory Needs
Strategies to incorporate Routine and Sameness
Strategies for Communication
Strategies for Social Interaction and Making Friendships
Strategies to Navigate Bullying Behaviours
Mention of Medication as means to moderate behaviours
Emphasis on Strengths and Talents
Opportunity to Draw and/or Write About What It’s Like Living with ASD
While labeled a social story, this resource is really an in-depth manual or workbook on how to live successfully with ASD and to appreciate one’s strengths and talents, that do accompany living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As always, please leave feedback and review, so that I may continue to provide practical resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!
Social Story: Respecting Personal Space
High-Quality Colour PDF File | 8.5"x11" Format
This is a social story meant to help children to respect others Personal Space.
Sometimes our students do not have awareness of their own and others personal space. They can intrude, touch others, and speak too closely, making other students feel uncomfortable and upset.
This 10-page social story guides the student through the meaning the Personal Space in terms of a Personal Space Bubble, explaining that this is the space in which we feel comfortable and safe. It notes that staying an arm’s length away will make others feel comfortable and safe.
It is presented in a simple, fun and visual format, that can be easily printed and laminated, and can be used across all ages and developmental levels. It is in Powerpoint format, but in 8.5 x 11 inches, so it can be printed on regular paper.
I have personally used it in individual and group format, in elementary and special needs junior high/high school classrooms. As always, please leave feedback so I may continue to provide practical resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!
SOCIAL STORY - SHARING
This engaging social story/script encourages students to practice the social skill of sharing (and taking turns). This social story uses simple language and engaging visuals, and while it is tailored to elementary, can be used across all grades and developmental levels. We have used this social story in individual and group format, and across nursery, elementary and junior high levels, in regular and special education settings.
This digital social story is in PDF format (8.5x11 inches), and so can be easily printed and laminated.
What you will receive:
1 PDF file in 8.5x11 inch format
1 Digital Download Description in JPEG format
We hope this resource helps you, help your students!
We welcome your reviews and comments, as we are always striving to create valuable tools and resources for our fellow educators. Thank you!
And, please follow our store for updates on new products and sales!
PLEASE NOTE:
No physical product will be shipped, as this is a digital download. Colours may vary slightly due to different colour monitor/calibration.
This purchase is licensed for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All Digital Prints are copyright of The Wellness Playground.
This Social Emotional Learning Journal is a resource meant to facilitate healthy conversations with students around their mental health and social emotional well being, in fun and interactive ways. It is ideal for students Grades 3-6, but may be used with older students as well.
It is a great tool for educators, guidance counselors, school psychologists and therapists to use with their clients and students. It covers a variety of topics such as family health, self-esteem, interests/hobbies, passions, future-goals, strategies for recognizing and managing feelings, worries and behaviours, and many more topics related to mental health and wellness.
This resource is 46 pages, and in High-Resolution PDF format (8.5 x 11), and so can be easily printed. It contains developmentally appropriate language and engaging visuals in order to engage the child in a fun and interactive way.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
1 High-Resolution colour PDF file, in 8.5x11 format
HOW TO PRINT:
Following purchase, your file will be emailed to you for printing.
Simply Print, laminate if you wish, and staple, bind or place in duotang or folder to use with students and children.
Download, print, and enjoy!
PERSONAL NOTE:
We love what we do, and do our best to provide a wide variety of options, quality resources, and flexibility in printing our digital files, all in attempts to make your life easier!
Please provide your feedback, so we may continue to offer worthwhile products!
PLEASE NOTE:
No physical product will be shipped, as this is a digital download. Colours may vary slightly due to different colour monitor/calibration. This purchase is licensed for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All Digital Prints are copyright of The Wellness Playground.
FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT OUR OTHER LISTINGS, and BE SURE TO FOLLOW OUR PAGE FOR UPDATES ON NEW PRODUCTS AND SALES.
This **social story, Touching Other People: Respecting Personal Boundaries, **focuses on the importance of respecting personal boundaries, when faced with situations where children may be touching other people.
The social story describes the importance of respecting our own bodies, and respecting the right of others to say “no” or “yes” in response to being touched, whether it is in any context, such as play, a hug, or in a group setting.
Simple examples are provided, using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language geared for elementary students and special education students.
We hope this resource helps you to help the children you work with!
What you will receive:
1 High-Quality Colour PDF File
Size: 8.5x11 inches
9 Pages
How to print and use:
Download to your device
Print at home, or using a local or online print service
Bind in a folder, binder or duotang
Note:
Should you need another file format (e.g., JPEG, PNG) simply let us know and we can do this for you.
Be sure to follow our store for updates on new products and flash sales. We love what we do, so please provide your feedback and review so we may continue to create worthwhile products!
Thank you!
Some of our students, whether they are simply very young, or have conditions that interfere with personal boundaries and impulsivity (ADHD, ASD, FASD, etc.), have tendencies to remove their clothing at inappropriate times throughout the day, either at school or other social settings.
This Social Story: Keeping My Clothes On, focuses on teaching children the importance of keeping their clothes on at school and other public places. The story explains the concept of clothing, and when and where it may be appropriate to wear and not to wear clothing.
The social story uses practical examples, engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language tailored to elementary years and special education students.
We hope this resource helps you to help the children you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
8 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
**Social Story: Picking My Nose. **
We all get boogers in our noses, but many students pick their noses without using tissues or washing their hands. This can become an unsanitary and bothersome habit, especially in the classroom.
This social story explains the concepts of germs and cleanliness, and reinforces the importance of not using your finger to pick your nose, and remembering to use a tissue instead. The story uses engaging visuals, and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education settings.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
17 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
This Social Story - Fire Drills: What to Expect, focuses on teaching children the importance of learning about fire drills, and what to expect during a fire drill, in order to be safe at school. The social story is very useful in making fire drills more predictable for students, and alleviates anxiety for those students who find fire drills stressful (e.g, students sensitive to noise, change in routine, etc.).
The social story uses practical examples, engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language tailored to elementary years and special education students.
We hope this resource helps you to help the children you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
10 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators. Lastly, feel free to follow our store for updates on new products and flash sales.
Thank you.
This resource called, FASD and ME: Social (Success) Story - Strategies for Life!, is really a manual and workbook for children and youth living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - to use in order to empower and educate themselves on FASD, identify with others with FASD, and learn strategies to live and cope with FASD in healthy ways. This resource can be used independently, or the child can be guided through with the support of an adult (Teacher, EA, parent, etc.)
This resource is 37 pages, and in PDF format (8.5 x 11), and so can be easily printed. It contains developmentally appropriate language and engaging visuals in order to engage the child in a fun and interactive way. There are Two Parts, with Part 1 focusing on Education on FASD, and Part 2 focusing on Strategies to Live with FASD.
Part 1: Living with FASD - All About Me
What is FASD
Communication
Socialization
Attention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity
Sensory
Emotions/Feelings
Learning Difficulties
Life Skills
Managing Change & Transitions
Emphasis on Strengths & Talents
Part 2: Living with FASD - Strategies & Ideas
Examples of Feelings and Emotional Reactions
Strategies to Process Feelings and Emotions
Strategies to Regulate Sensory Needs
Strategies to Incorporate Routine and Structure
Strategies for Communication
Strategies for Social Interaction and Making Friendships
Strategies to Navigate Bullying Behaviours
Mention of Medication as means to Moderate Behaviours
Emphasis on Strengths and Talents
Opportunity to Draw and/or Write About What It’s Like Living with FASD
As always, please leave feedback and review, so that I may continue to provide practical resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!
Social Story: Going to the Public Pool.
Going to the public pool can be an overwhelming and unpredictable experience for many of our children and students, especially those with sensory needs (e.g., ASD, FASD, ADHD ,etc).
This social story guides children through what to expect when visiting the public pool - from arriving, to the sights, sounds and people encountered, possible challenges, and overall experience - so they may feel more comfortable going to the pool.
The social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
15 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
Social Story: Going to School (A Place for Learning).
Going to school is an important milestone for every child, but many of our children and students have a hard time making this transition and understanding school expectations. This social story explains what school is in simple terms, and elaborates on when and how learning is accomplished, while still having fun at school!
This 15-page social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
15 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
Social Story: Going to Bed (My Bedtime Routine)
Going to bed and having a good night’s sleep is essential for the health of our children’s minds and bodies. A regular bedtime routine is an important part of this process.
This 13-page social story discusses the importance of a bedtime routine, what this may look like, and provides space for the child to share what their own bedtime routine looks like.
The social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
13 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
Social Story: Using an Escalator.
Using an escalator is a life skill that is useful, as escalators are found in a variety of buildings. However, many children and students do not have experience using escalators, and escalators can be anxiety-provoking for children with specialized needs (e.g., ASD, ADHD, FASD, sensory sensitivites, etc.).
This social story guides the user through what to expect when riding on an escalator - including what it looks like, what it feels like, and how to ride on one, step by step. This visual guide makes using an escalator more predictable and less stressful for children.
This 13-page social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
13 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
Social Story: Going Camping.
Going camping can be a fun experience, but many of our children and students either have not had the opportunity to go camping, or find the idea of camping anxiety-provoking and stressful. This is particularly true for our students with specialized needs.
This 12-page social story guides the user through what to expect when going camping - including what it looks like, what it feels and sounds like, what activities to expect, and the possible wildlife and experiences encountered. This visual guide makes camping more predictable and less stressful for children.
The social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
12 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.
Social Story: When I’m Feeling Sad
We all experience different feelings at different times. One of these feelings is sadness. This feelings social story helps students to define sadness, recognize when they may be feeling sad, and reinforces that strong feelings are temporary, and that we can all learn healthy strategies to manage sadness.
The social story conveys these themes using engaging visuals and developmentally appropriate language suited to elementary and special education students.
We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!
What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
11 Pages
How to Use:
After uploading product, save file to your device
Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with children
Personal Note:
Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.
We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.
Thank you.