Printable Scholar

When I Make a Mistake
A social story about making mistakes and losing a game

Ages 4-812 pagesBig Feelings and Flexible Thinking

A calm, first-person story about making mistakes and losing a game, and trying again. Read it together on screen below, one page at a time, or print it as a book.

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When I Make a Mistake social story cover

Read the story

Read one page at a time. Let the child point at the pictures and say what is happening.

When I Make a Mistake page 1
Page 1Everyone makes mistakes. Kids, teachers and grown-ups all make mistakes.
When I Make a Mistake page 2
Page 2A mistake is when something goes differently than I meant.
When I Make a Mistake page 3
Page 3I might write a letter the wrong way. I might spill my milk.
When I Make a Mistake page 4
Page 4Losing a game is different from a mistake. Losing can feel hard too.
When I Make a Mistake page 5
Page 5When I make a mistake, I might feel mad, sad or embarrassed. That is okay.
When I Make a Mistake page 6
Page 6I can take a deep breath. I can say: Oops, that is okay.
When I Make a Mistake page 7
Page 7Mistakes help my brain learn. I can try again.
When I Make a Mistake page 8
Page 8I can erase it, fix it, or ask for help.
When I Make a Mistake page 9
Page 9When I lose a game, I can say: Good game! Maybe we can play again later.
When I Make a Mistake page 10
Page 10My friends make mistakes too. I can be kind when they do.
When I Make a Mistake page 11
Page 11My teacher makes mistakes sometimes. My teacher says oops and tries again.
When I Make a Mistake page 12
Page 12Mistakes are part of learning. I know what to do when I make a mistake.
Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack cover

Print this story: Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack

  • When I Make a Mistake, plus When I Feel Upset, When the Answer Is No, Asking for Help, Sharing With Friends and When Plans Change
  • Every story as a full-page book (US Letter and A4), a half-page booklet and a one-page summary
  • A how-to-use page
Get the 6 stories for $7All 12 stories for $12
One-time purchase. Instant download. Secure checkout by Stripe. Two stories are free: Fire Drill and Staying With My Class.

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All 12 social stories →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this social story?
Read it on a calm day before the situation comes up, then again just before it happens. Many children like to hear it every day for a week or two. Point at the pictures and ask what the child would do.
What age is it for?
Children of about 4 to 8, in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade, at home or school, including autistic children and children in special education or speech therapy.
Can I print it?
Yes. The printable book, half-page booklet and one-page summary are in the Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack (6 stories, $7), or in both packs together (12 stories, $12).