Making a New Friend
Maya meets a new friend on the playground and learns that making friends can happen through shared activities and kindness. This story helps Maya understand how friendships start and grow.
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Read the Story
8 pages · 6 min read read
Show text
Read the Story
8 pages · 6 min read read
My name is Maya. I am at the playground on a sunny day. There are lots of things to do here. I like to play and have fun.
Today I see a girl playing in the sandbox. She is making something with the sand. I wonder what she is making.
The girl sees me looking. She smiles at me. Her smile is friendly and warm. I think she might like to play with me.
I walk over to the sandbox. I say, "Hi, I am Maya." The girl says, "Hi, I am Zara. I am making a dinosaur!" I love dinosaurs!
I sit down in the sandbox next to Zara. We work together to make the dinosaur bigger. Our dinosaur has a long tail and big feet.
Zara says, "You are good at making dinosaurs!" I feel happy inside when she says this. Making something together is fun. It makes me feel good when someone likes what I do.
Zara asks, "Do you want to play on the swings with me?" I say, "Yes!" We walk to the swings together. Zara is becoming my friend.
Making a new friend can happen when we do something together that we both like. When I find someone who likes the same things, we can play and have fun. Friends make playtime even better!
Social Story Methodology
Why This Story Works
This story walks children through the exact sequence of initiating friendship—from observation to shared activity to emotional validation—which mirrors Carol Gray's approach of breaking down complex social moments into concrete, observable steps. Children with autism and anxiety often struggle with the ambiguity of 'making friends,' but Maya's playground encounter shows a clear beginning, middle, and end with predictable social cues (the friendly smile, the introduction, the shared interest in dinosaurs) that reduce uncertainty and build confidence.
Story Structure
How It's Written
Sentence Types
Voice & Perspective
Story Structure
Practical Guidance
Ways to Use This Story
Act Out the Sandbox Scene
Map Your Child's Shared Interests
Celebrate Small Compliments
Practice Transitioning Between Activities
Reread Before Real Playdates
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