Social Story for Lockdown Drill
Lockdown drills are an important safety practice in schools today. They are designed to keep students and staff safe in case of an emergency inside or near the school building. However, the idea of a lockdown drill can be scary or confusing—especially for young children or individuals with autism or other developmental differences. That’s why using a social story for lockdown drill can be incredibly helpful. A well-written social story helps prepare children for what to expect, reduces anxiety, and encourages appropriate responses during the drill. In this article, we’ll explain what a social story is, why it’s effective, and share a full example you can use or adapt.
What is a Social Story?
A social story is a short, simple, and descriptive story that explains social situations and expectations in a way that is easy to understand. Originally developed by Carol Gray in the 1990s, social stories are widely used with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but they are helpful for all children who benefit from structure and predictability.
A social story for lockdown drill uses reassuring language and visuals (when possible) to describe:
- What a lockdown drill is
- Why it's important
- What will happen during the drill
- How children are expected to behave
- How they might feel—and that those feelings are okay
Why Use a Social Story for Lockdown Drill?
Lockdown drills, while necessary, can be distressing. Loud noises, unfamiliar routines, and the idea of danger can all contribute to stress. A social story prepares students in a non-threatening, supportive way. It helps children:
- Understand the purpose of the drill
- Feel more in control
- Develop coping strategies
- Know what behavior is expected
Teachers, counselors, and parents can read the story together with the child before the drill takes place, and revisit it anytime the child needs reassurance.
Example Social Story for Lockdown Drill
Here is a full social story for lockdown drill that you can read aloud or print as a booklet. You can add real pictures of the child's classroom if possible to each page to help support understanding.
Title: “Staying Safe at School: A Social Story for Lockdown Drills”
Sometimes, we practice safety drills at school.
One of these is called a lockdown drill.
A lockdown drill helps keep everyone safe.
It is only practice—not an emergency.
My teacher will tell the class when it is time for a lockdown drill.
She might say, “This is a lockdown drill.”
When the lockdown drill starts, I will stop what I am doing.
I will listen carefully to my teacher’s directions.
My teacher will ask the class to be very quiet.
We might go to a safe place in the classroom, like a corner or behind a desk.
Sometimes, we turn off the lights and stay away from windows.
This helps us practice being safe.
During the drill, I will stay very still and quiet.
This is how I help keep myself and others safe.
It’s okay if I feel confused or a little nervous.
My teacher and the other adults at school are there to help me.
The lockdown drill will not last very long.
When it is over, my teacher will tell me it is safe.
Then we can go back to our normal school day.
I can feel proud that I did a good job during the drill.
Practicing helps me be ready and safe!
Tips for Using the Social Story
To make this social story for lockdown drill even more effective, consider these suggestions:
- Read it several times before the drill day.
- Use pictures or visuals for each page, especially for younger children or visual learners.
- Discuss feelings that may come up—give the child permission to talk about fears or questions.
- Practice with role play, so the story becomes an action plan the child understands.
- Customize the story with the child’s name, teacher's name, or details specific to their school to make it more personal and meaningful.
When to Introduce the Story
Introduce the social story a few days before the scheduled lockdown drill, and read it together daily until the child feels comfortable. Avoid sharing it right before the drill, which could cause unnecessary stress. If there is an unscheduled drill, the story can be used afterward to help debrief and reassure the child.
Who Should Use This Social Story?
This social story is helpful for:
- Students with autism or sensory processing disorders
- Students with anxiety or trauma history
- Preschool and early elementary-aged children
- Any child who feels worried or unsure about lockdown drills
Parents, teachers, therapists, and support staff can all use the story to reinforce a calm and supportive message.
Final Thoughts
Practicing lockdown drills is important, but it doesn’t have to be scary. A social story for lockdown drill helps make safety practice more understandable, less frightening, and more empowering for children. By preparing students with kindness, clarity, and consistency, we help them not only follow safety procedures but also feel safe in their learning environment.
You are welcome to adapt the story above to suit your child’s age, developmental level, or specific school procedures. The goal is always the same: to help children feel prepared, safe, and supported.
Additional Social stories for Kids:
- Hair Cut
- Going to the Doctor, Riding a bus
- Toilet Training
- Personal Space
- Animated Social Stories for Kids
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