New Year, New Teacher Social Story

Read the story through at least twice initially, then revisit it regularly — the included tips page notes that reading it only once or twice is a common reason social stories don't work as intended.

Fill in the blanks (child's name, year group, teacher, trusted adult, break dates) and insert the suggested photos before the first reading, so the story reads as specific to the child rather than generic.

Laminate or bind the pages, or place them in a display book, since the story is meant to be reread many times rather than used once.

Emotional preview and coping — the story names feelings like nervousness and sadness around change and pairs each with a concrete coping step (talking to a trusted adult, taking deep breaths).

Transition preparation — the story previews concrete facts about the coming change (new classroom, new teacher, same friends and school) before it happens.