I Know Gentle Touches
I love giving gentle hugs and high-fives. My hands know how to be soft. Mom says my hugs feel warm. I am good at gentle touches.
Illustrations still show Sammy.
One-time per story. Takes about 2 minutes.
● Reading...
living room couch
I Am Gentle
I give gentle hugs. My hands can be soft. I am good at gentle touches.
mom 
gentle 
no 
● Reading...
school playground near the climbing structure
A Big Feeling in My Body
Sometimes my body gets a big squeeze feeling. My hands want to squeeze or hold tight. Mara looks surprised when a touch feels strong. Sammy wonders what is happening in his body.
Sometimes my body gets a big squeeze feeling. My hands want to squeeze or hold tight. Mara looks surprised when a touch feels strong. Sammy wonders what is happening in his body.
The Squeeze Feeling
My body gets a squeeze feeling. Touches can feel too strong. Friends look surprised.
high-five 
handshake 
hug 
good 
● Reading...
Sammy's bedroom with stuffed animals on the bed
My Body Sends Sensory Messages
It is okay to have sensory feelings inside. My body sends me squeeze messages sometimes. A squeeze toy helps my body feel calm. Mom and Sammy talk about sensory feelings together.
It is okay to have sensory feelings inside. My body sends me squeeze messages sometimes. A squeeze toy helps my body feel calm. Mom and Sammy talk about sensory feelings together.
Mom: "Sensory feelings are real. Sammy's body is telling him something."
Sensory Feelings Are Okay
It is okay to feel squeeze feelings. A squeeze toy helps my body. Mom helps Sammy understand.
push 
grab no 
sad 
● Reading...
classroom at a small round table near the bookshelves
Everyone Has Their Own Body
Friends have bodies that belong to them. Their bodies feel things in different ways. I can try asking before I touch. The teacher helps Sammy practice the words.
Friends have bodies that belong to them. Their bodies feel things in different ways. I can try asking before I touch. The teacher helps Sammy practice the words.
Teacher: "Sammy, let's practice asking words together."
Ask Before Touching
Friends have their own bodies. I can try asking first. The teacher helps Sammy.
boy 
question 
friends good 
● Reading...
school playground near the oak tree and swings
Sammy Tries at Playtime
Sammy feels the squeeze feeling at playtime. He takes a breath and asks Dem. Dem smiles and holds up his hand. The teacher nearby gives Sammy a smile.
Sammy feels the squeeze feeling at playtime. He takes a breath and asks Dem. Dem smiles and holds up his hand. The teacher nearby gives Sammy a smile.
Sammy: "Can I give a high-five?"
Dem: "Yes!"
Sammy Asks First
Sammy feels squeeze feelings. He asks Dem first. Dem says yes. The teacher smiles.
no 
calm 
wave 
● Reading...
living room couch at home in the evening
Sammy Knows His Body
Sammy knows his body and its feelings. He asks before touching his friends now. My body belongs to me. Sammy and his friends both feel safe.
Sammy knows his body and its feelings. He asks before touching his friends now. My body belongs to me. Sammy and his friends both feel 
safe.
safe. Mom: "Sammy asked before touching today."
Sammy Feels Proud
Sammy knows his body. He asks friends first. My body belongs to me. Friends feel safe.
boy 
stop safe 
adult Let's take a breath
Breathe in...
Take a moment. You can take some slow, deep breaths when you feel ready.
