Using Words, Not Crying Social Skills Story | Printable SEL Book

Help children learn healthy ways to express their feelings with this engaging Using Words, Not Crying Social Skills Story. Designed for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, autism support, ESL, and special education classrooms, this printable SEL resource teaches children that while crying is okay, using words helps others understand what they need.

With simple language, relatable illustrations, and real-life situations, children practice replacing tears with calm communication, asking for help, and expressing big emotions in positive ways.

Perfect for calm corners, morning meetings, counseling sessions, behavior intervention, and social skills lessons.

What's Included

• ⭐ Printable Using Words, Not Crying social story
• ⭐ Full-color version
• ⭐ Black-and-white coloring version
• ⭐ Discussion questions
• ⭐ Student reflection activities
• ⭐ Visual reminder pages
• ⭐ Practice scenarios
• ⭐ Printable completion certificate
• ⭐ Editable pages to personalize for individual students

Students Will Learn

• Using words to express feelings
• Asking for help appropriately
• Identifying emotions
• Emotional regulation
• Calm communication
• Building confidence when speaking
• Problem-solving with adults
• Self-advocacy skills

Perfect For

• Preschool
• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Special Education
• Autism Support
• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• School Counseling
• Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Small Groups
• Whole Class Lessons
• Homeschool

Great For Teaching

• Emotional regulation
• Expressive language
• Coping skills
• Self-control
• Communication skills
• Classroom behavior expectations
• Feelings and emotions
• Positive problem solving

Why Teachers Love It

✔ Child-friendly illustrations that keep students engaged

✔ Easy-to-understand language for young learners

✔ Low-prep printable resource

✔ Reinforces positive communication strategies

✔ Supports behavior management and SEL instruction

✔ Ideal for calm corners, behavior intervention plans, and daily classroom routines

This printable Using Words, Not Crying Social Skills Story helps children understand that all feelings are okay—and that using calm words to explain those feelings is a skill they can practice every day.