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Social stories · Out and about · ages 5–9 · 2-minute read

Going to the supermarket: a social story

Shops can be busy, bright and noisy. A list, a job and a plan make the trip calmer.

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By the Cala Luna team · Reviewed 24 October 2026 · The research behind it

The story

Read it aloud together, one card at a time. Point to the pictures and let your child read the last card.

  1. Sometimes I go to the supermarket with my grown-up to buy food.

  2. Before we go, we make a list. My picture list shows what we need.

  3. The shop can be busy, bright and noisy. I can wear my ear defenders or a cap.

  4. I stay close to my grown-up, or ride in the trolley.

  5. I have a job: find the apples, or tick things off my list.

  6. I might see things I want. Usually we buy what is on our list. I can add ideas to my wish list.

  7. At the checkout, we wait in the queue. Then we pack our bags.

  8. When we finish, we go home. I helped with the shopping!

My calm plan

Pick one or two before the day, and practise them at home.

  • 📝 Tick my list
  • 🎧 Ear defenders
  • 🍎 My helping job
  • 💭 Wish list

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/supermarket/

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Mila, a young lynx in a red headband and striped T-shirt

How to use this story (for grown-ups)

  • Tell your child before you go: where you are going, what you will buy and what you expect. Give them a picture list to tick.
  • Avoid tired or hungry times. Many shops have quieter hours, and click-and-collect avoids queues on hard days.
  • Give your child a real job, such as finding items or putting fruit in a bag. Busy hands make waiting easier.
  • If a meltdown happens, keep your child safe and stay calm and close. Avoid buying sweets or toys to stop it, which can make the next trip harder.

Why these steps: what 30 years of research says about social stories.

Words that help

  • Try saying: "It's not on our list today. Let's add it to your wish list."Instead of: "If you behave, I'll buy you sweets."
  • Try saying: "Can you find the bananas for me?"Instead of: "Stop touching everything!"

Questions parents ask

Should I promise a treat for good behaviour?

A small treat planned in advance, the same each time, can help some children. Avoid treats offered in the middle of a meltdown, which tend to teach that meltdowns get rewards.

What is a sunflower lanyard?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is a green lanyard with sunflowers that quietly tells staff someone may need extra help or patience. Many shops recognise it.

More social stories

Out and about

A playdate at a friend's house

Hello, house rules, taking turns, a snack, and thank you at the end.

Read the story →
Out and about

Loud places and noises

Parties, hand dryers, fire alarms and busy shops, with a calm plan.

Read the story →
Out and about

Going on a plane

The airport, security, take-off, popping ears and landing.

Read the story →

All 28 social stories

We read the best free examples and guidance we could find, then wrote a shorter, simpler version in our own words: Welsh Government (Parenting. Give it time): shopping without the stropping; North East Autism Society: autism-friendly shopping guide. Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.