New Routine Social Story
School Social Narrative Ongoing Routine & Teacher Change
My New Routine at School
My Name:
Today's Date:
My Change Details: My new teacher is ____________________ and my new classroom is Room _______.
New Everyday Routine
1 Daily Routines
We Have Routines at School
Every day at school, I follow a schedule. It tells me what we are doing, where we are going, and who helps me learn. Routines help me know what to expect.
Having a schedule makes my day feel clear and predictable.
2 A Schedule Shift
Sometimes Things Change
Sometimes schedules need to change. This is an ongoing change that will stay for a while. It is okay when plans change. My school is still safe and welcoming.
Change can feel new, but I can learn a new routine.
3 New Teacher & Room
My New Room & Teacher
I will now go to my new room and learn with my new teacher. My new teacher is happy to have me in class and wants to get to know me!
My new teacher is here to care for me and help me learn.
4 Things That Stay Same
Many Things Stay the Same
Even though the room or teacher is new, many things stay just like before! Lunch, recess, my friends, my favorite supplies, and playground time are still here.
I still have my favorite parts of the school day.
5 Feelings & Calming
How I Might Feel
I might feel curious, nervous, or surprised. All feelings are okay! If I feel worried, I can take 3 slow belly breaths, hold my favorite item, or ask to take a quick break.
Breathe in calm... breathe out worry. I am safe.
6 I Can Do This!
I Can Ask for Help
If I forget where to go or need assistance, I can show my Help Card or raise my hand. Every day I practice, this new routine will get easier and easier!
I am proud of myself for trying my new routine!
Daily Affirmation to Say Together:
"My school is safe. My teachers care about me. I can handle new routines!"
See page 2 for visual cues
Interactive Visual Supports Cut-Outs & Desk Station
Change Cues & Desk Board
Cut out cards along dashed lines
A
My Desktop Routine Board
Keep this on the student's desk for continuous reference
My New Room
Room ______
Walk calmly here
My New Teacher
Teacher: __________
Kind helper
Support Person
Name: __________
Here when I need help
How I Feel Now
🙂
😐
😟
Point to show adults
B
Pocket & Desk Visual Cue Cards
Cut along dotted lines • Laminate or velcro to desk
ROUTINE CHANGE
Different today
CARD 1
GO TO ROOM
Room [ ______ ]
CARD 2
NEW TEACHER
[ ___________ ]
CARD 3
CALM WALKING
Walking to my room
CARD 4
I NEED HELP
Show to teacher
CARD 5
TAKE A BREAK
2-minute reset
CARD 6
3 CALM BREATHS
In... and out...
CARD 7
I DID IT!
Great job adapting
CARD 8
C
My New Morning Arrival Strip
Check off each step as you complete it
1
Arrive at School
Put backpack on
2
Walk to New Room
Room [ ______ ]
3
Greet New Teacher
Wave or say hello
4
Find Desk & Start
Ready for a good day
Teacher & Paraprofessional Tip: Read Page 1 together 1–2 days before the transition and review it daily during the first week. Attach Card 5 ("I Need Help") and Card 6 ("Take a Break") to the student's desk corner or key ring for low-stress nonverbal communication.