Grades K–5
Walking in the Hallway
A social story about lining up and walking in the hall: my spot, quiet voice, walking feet and hands to myself.
Special education printable · Social stories
When I Have a Substitute Teacher
A social story for sub days: my teacher will come back, a new grown-up is in charge, and my schedule stays the same.
- Grade level
- Grades K–5
- Time
- About 10 minutes
- Topic
- Social stories
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Understanding routines and expectations, Coping with change, Perspective taking, Listening comprehension
What kids do
“Read the story with a grown-up. Talk about what will stay the same.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Some days my teacher is not at school. My teacher will come back.
- A substitute teacher will be in my class. A substitute is a teacher too.
- My teacher leaves plans, so the sub knows our schedule.
- I can say hello and tell the sub my name.
- I listen to the sub like I listen to my teacher.
- Things might feel a little different. That is okay. I can do my best.
Teacher tip
Leave a copy in your sub folder with a note about which students read it. If you know you will be out, read it together the day before.
How to use it
- Point to each picture and stop to ask what the student sees.
- Keep a copy where the student can reach it and reread it alone.
- Laminate it or slide it into a sheet protector so it lasts all year and wipes clean.
Watch for
Words that are too hard. Change the wording to match how the student talks.
Talk about it
- Who can you ask for help?
- Show me what you want.
Take it further
Add the student’s name, a photo or their own drawing to make the story theirs.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More social stories
Grades K–5
When Plans Change
A social story about changes to the schedule: plans can change, I may feel upset, and I can breathe and ask what is next.
Grades K–5
Waiting My Turn
A first-person social story about waiting: friends take turns, I can count, breathe or look, and my turn will come.
Grades K–5
When There Is a Fire Drill
A calm social story about fire drills: the loud alarm, lining up, walking outside, waiting and going back in.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.