Personal Space Social Story

We are respectful when we keep our hands and feet to ourselves. We don't want to get too close, or else we will pop our friend's personal space bubble. A personal space bubble is the imaginary space around our bodies. It is about the size of a hula hoop!

If we touch, poke, hit, or push people, it gives them uncomfortable feelings like sad, mad, or scared! When we keep our hands to ourselves, it makes them feel happy!

If you want to use your hands, you can try putting your hands on your hips, in your pockets, folded on your lap, you can squeeze your hands together, or you can rub them together to stop yourself from invading other people's personal space. If you want to touch someone or give them a hug, you must always ask first. If they say no, then you don't touch them.

If someone touches you, try telling them, "Stop. I don't like that." in a strong, but respectful voice. Let's all have a thumbs up day at school and keep our hands to ourselves!