Help students feel more prepared and confident when their regular teacher is away with this editable social story designed for primary-aged students.
A change in teacher can feel unfamiliar or worrying for some students. This social story helps students understand what may stay the same, what may be different and where they can go for help and support.
The editable format allows you to personalise the story for individual students and their specific school day.
A particularly useful feature is the ability to add photos of important parts of the student's day that may cause uncertainty or anxiety.
For example, you can add photos of:
• Where the student will eat lunch
• Where they will play at recess or lunch
• The class or room they will be in
• The teacher who will be teaching them
• Trusted adults they can go to for help
• Where they will line up
• Any changed routines or locations
• Other familiar places or people that may help the student feel prepared
Personalising these details can help make an unfamiliar day more predictable and give students clear information about what to expect.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔ 11-page editable social story
✔ Editable PowerPoint format
✔ What will stay the same?
✔ What might be different?
✔ Preparing for a different teacher
✔ Reassurance around nervous or worried feelings
✔ Trusted adults and support at school
✔ Asking for help when needed
✔ Encouragement to try something unfamiliar
✔ Space to personalise the story for individual students
✔ Add your own school photos and student-specific information
IDEAL FOR
• Learning Support
• Individual student support
• Social stories
• Classroom teachers
• Students who experience anxiety around changes
• Students who benefit from visual preparation
• Autism and neurodivergent learners
• Transitions and changes in routine
• Casual/substitute teacher days
• Primary school students
HOW TO USE
Before the teacher is away, work through the social story with the student and personalise the relevant pages.
Adding real photos from the student's school environment can make the story even more meaningful. Show the student where they will eat, play, learn and access support so they have a clearer picture of what their day will look like.
The goal is not to remove every change, but to help students understand what to expect, identify what will remain familiar and know where they can go for support.
A practical, editable social story for helping students prepare for a different teacher and feel supported through changes to their usual school routine.
