Helping children understand the pandemic



Social stories, designed for kids with special needs, can also help preschoolers

Social stories, designed for kids with special needs, can also help preschoolers


It's hard for young children or kids with special needs to grasp the changes COVID has wrought in our lives, and our explanations don't always make sense to them. If your preschooler can't understand the importance of wearing a mask or why friends are no longer accessible, consider using a social story to help them grasp the new rules.

Social stories include simple examples of life events from the learner's point of view, reinforced with pictures. Research has shown that this method helps children learn positive behaviors and understand how to behave in social situations. Occupational therapists and teachers use social stories for a wide range of situations, from meeting new friends to navigating the school cafeteria.

Read More: 4 tips nurture kids' literacy and love for books

Social stories addressing the pandemic are available for free online. 

You will find other illustrated stories covering issues like riding the school bus, why my school is closed and others. 

You might want to adapt an existing story to your own situation. Intervention specialist Jack Hans offers guidelines for using the method successfully.

Compose the story from the child's perspective. Statements should use “I,” or if your child has trouble understanding the concept of pronouns, use the child's name.

Include pictures. Photos of your house, family, and community are ideal and can easily be embedded in the text. Otherwise, drawings are second best.

Specify appropriate behaviors. Describe actions in the form of “I will” or “I can”, to help the child incorporate self-talk in real life.

Read the story together multiple times, both before going into life situations and afterward, for reinforcement. Lamination preserves the pages for frequent use.

Don't use a social story in response to negative behavior. You don't want reading the story to be seen as punishment, which only reminds the child of mistakes made.

Avoid describing negative behaviors in the story. Rather than “I won't take my mask if I'm close to other people,” the story should state “I'll keep my mask on around others.”



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »
  • How women experience heart disease differently

    Symptoms are not always obvious

    Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death. read more »
  • Serve a simple pasta salad this summer

    A quick and easy dish your family will love

    Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. read more »
  • Combatting Cracked Concrete

    Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

    Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. read more »
  • A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Own Oil

    It's easier than you think

    Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. read more »
  • Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit

    Time to make a warm and inviting outdoor retreat

    A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. read more »
  • Phones Down, Eyes Up™

    Campaign to reduce distractions and increase water safety

    May’s National Water Safety Month, the campaign aims to reduce distractions and improve water safety awareness, specifically targeting families as they head to pools and waterfronts this summer. read more »
  • Enjoy a light summer lunch

    Make broccoli the star of this dish

    Try this broccoli salad. It makes an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. read more »
  • 2025 Free Fishing Days in New York State

    No freshwater fishing license required to fish on designated days

    Governor Kathy Hochul has announced designated Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: June 28-29, September 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. read more »