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New school social story for kids

A new school social story is a short picture book that shows a child what the day will look like: the backpack, saying goodbye, the cubby, lunch, recess and going home. Seeing the order ahead of time can make a big change feel less surprising. Ready Story puts your child's name and look on every page.

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Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.

What happens on the first days at a new school

  1. Packing the backpackThe lunch box and the water bottle go inside the backpack.
  2. Saying goodbyeA grown-up brings your child to school, says goodbye and comes back at the end of the day.
  3. The teacher and the cubbyThe teacher says hello, and your child puts the backpack in the cubby.
  4. In the classroomYour child will read, play and learn new things.
  5. Lunch timeLunch is with the other kids. The room may be loud, so your child can cover their ears or ask for a quiet spot.
  6. RecessAt recess, your child can play or watch. New places can feel strange at first.
  7. A quiet place and going homeYour child can tell the teacher if help is needed, rest and breathe. At the end of the day, a grown-up picks them up.

Before, during and after

Before

  • Read the story at home in the weeks before school starts.
  • Visit the school, walk to the door and look at the playground, if you can.
  • Share what helps your child with the teacher, such as quiet spots or visual schedules.
  • Practice the goodbye routine at home with a short, same-time goodbye.

During

  • Keep the goodbye short and the same each day.
  • Remind your child, using the story's words, that you will come back at pickup.
  • Ask the school what the first week will look like.

After

  • Ask about one picture from the book: "Did you eat lunch? Was it loud?"
  • Let your child show or tell what they made.
  • Add pages for new parts of the day as they come up.

A look inside the book

Three real pages from the new school book. In your copy, your child's name and look replace the bracketed words and the child in the picture.

Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.

Questions parents ask

Who is a new school social story for?

It is for children starting a new school, a new year, or a new classroom, especially when knowing what comes next is reassuring.

Can I make it match our school?

Yes. You can edit the words on each page to match your child's school, teacher and routine, such as the names of rooms or the pickup spot.

When should we read it?

Many families start a few weeks ahead and read it more often in the last few days. Some children like a short read each morning.

How much does it cost?

$3.99 per book. You preview every page first, and you do not need an account.

Is this a replacement for an IEP meeting or school support?

No. It is a home tool. Talk to the school and your child's care team about specific needs.

More social stories

Looking for a daily routine? Try the free bedtime routine chart. Or go back to the Ready Story home page.