[ by Jason M. Wallin ]

Background

This is a story that I wrote for a workshop on Social Stories that I presented for colleagues in my school district. I used this story as an example of a story addressing hygiene concerns that a parent or teacher may have about a student.

Target audience

This story would be appropriate for almost any school-aged child. The reading level of this story is upper elementary, but could very easily be adapted to higher or lower reading levels.

The story

At school -- and in other buildings where there are lots of people, like office buildings or libraries -- there are drinking fountains that I can drink from when I am thirsty. Because a lot of people use these fountains, it is important that I avoid picking up germs from the fountain, so I do not get sick. It is also important that I avoid leaving germs behind, so other people do not get germs that I might be carrying. If I touch my lips to the faucet, I can pick up a lot of germs and leave some of my own behind. The next time I drink from a drinking fountain, I will try to avoid touching my lips to the faucet.