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.
Special education printable · Social stories
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.
- 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. Then draw something that helps you feel calm.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Every day has a plan. Sometimes the plan changes.
- Recess might be inside because of rain, or we might have a special visitor.
- When plans change, I might feel sad, mad or worried. That is okay.
- I can take three slow breaths to help my body feel calm.
- I can ask my teacher, “What happens next?”
Teacher tip
Add a “change” or surprise card to your visual schedule and use it on purpose for small, fun changes first, so change is not always bad news.
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.
- Use the same words every time you use the page. Short, steady language helps it stick.
Watch for
Words that are too hard. Change the wording to match how the student talks.
Talk about it
- How might you feel? What can help?
- What helped you do that by yourself?
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 There Is a Fire Drill
A calm social story about fire drills: the loud alarm, lining up, walking outside, waiting and going back in.
Grades K–5
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.
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.
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