Change Ready Social Story
Elementary Social Narrative
New Teachers & Schedule Shifts
Name:
Date:
1. Meeting a New Teacher
Sometimes my regular teacher is sick, at a meeting, or away. A guest or new teacher will lead our class.
New teachers are here to keep me safe and help me learn.
They may have different rules or games, but our classroom is still a safe space.
2. When Plans Shift
Usually our day follows a familiar plan. But some days, activities happen in a brand new order.
Math might happen before Reading, or recess time may move.
Changing the order does not mean we miss out. It just means our day is flexible today!
3. My Feelings Matter
When someone new is in charge or the clock changes, I might feel startled, nervous, or confused.
It is 100% okay to have big feelings about sudden changes.
My classmates and teachers understand that unexpected moments feel tricky at first.
4. My Calming Plan
When a change happens, I can follow these 3 helpful steps:
- 1 Stop & breathe: Take 2 slow deep breaths.
- 2 Check schedule: Look for the Change Cue card.
- 3 Ask for help: Raise my hand if I am unsure.
My Change Readiness Check-in Draw or write one helper strategy you will use today
"I can be flexible and stay calm!"
Schedule changes are normal and temporary.
My teachers care about me, and each day is a new adventure!
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Visual Support & Manipulatives
Visual Schedule & Change Cues
Print & Cut Activity For Desk or Wall Board
Today's Sequence Board (First → Then → Next → Last)
Place activity cards here
1. First
Attach Card
Morning
2. Then
Attach Card
Mid-Day
3. Next
Attach Card
Afternoon
4. Last
Attach Card
Dismissal
Cut-Out Cue Badges (Place on top of any scheduled item that changed)
Overlay when a plan shifts
Change Alert! Different activity
Guest Teacher New teacher today
Time Swap Order moved
Surprise Event Assembly / Special
Cut-Out Daily Activity Cards (Fit neatly onto the Sequence Board)
Mix & match for any order
Morning Circle
Reading / ELA
Math Time
Lunch Time
Recess / Play
Art or Music
Science / Social
Pack Up & Home
Quick Help Card
Desk Coping Strip
1. Breathe slowly • 2. Look at the board • 3. Say "I can adjust" • 4. Ask my teacher
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