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Social Story for Starting a New School
Starting a new school in the middle of the year is harder than starting in September, because everyone else already knows the routines, the rules and each other. Often it comes with a move, too. Children worry about getting lost, not knowing where to sit, and nobody wanting to play with them.
The story below is honest that the first day can feel lonely, and shows the small things that help: a buddy, learning where things are, and the first person who asks you to play. Read it a few nights before the first day. Free to read aloud, or make one with your child in it.
What will happen, in order
- A new school in the middle of the year
- Meet the teacher and a buddy
- Learn where things are
- It’s okay not to know anyone yet
- Home again, then tomorrow
Read the steps together in the daytime, more than once. The free printable below has these steps at the top and the bedtime story underneath.
Sofia Starts in February
A free story to read aloud tonight
Sofia’s family moved in the middle of winter, so Sofia had to start at a new school in February. Everyone else had started in September. They already knew where the bathroom was, and which swing was the best one, and each other’s names.
On the first morning, Mr. Ortiz, her new teacher, met her at the door. “We’ve been expecting you,” he said, and showed her a hook with her name already on it, and a desk by the window.
He gave her a buddy, a girl named Hana, whose job was to show Sofia where everything was. The bathroom. The lunch line. The library, which had a reading corner with beanbags.
At recess, Sofia stood near the wall. Everyone was playing games she didn’t know the rules to. It felt lonely, and that was okay to feel. Then Hana came over. “We need one more for tag,” she said. “Want to play?”
By the end of the day, Sofia knew where the bathroom was, and that the second swing was the best one, and four names: Hana, Mr. Ortiz, Jack and Priya. It wasn’t everyone yet. But it was a start.
At bedtime, Mom asked how it went. “It was a bit lonely,” said Sofia. “And then it was a bit better.” “Tomorrow you’ll know five names,” said Mom. Sofia counted the four she knew, slowly, and fell asleep before she got to five.
Read it a few nights running rather than on the morning of. Familiarity is the part that works. The aim is that by the day itself, none of it is new.
How do I help my child start a new school mid-year?
Many families find it helps to visit the school beforehand if possible, ask the teacher whether there is a buddy system, and tell the child plainly that it is normal for the first days to feel lonely. Asking each evening for one good thing and one name can help track the small wins.
When should I worry about my child settling in?
It often takes weeks to feel settled. If your child seems very unhappy, withdrawn, or doesn’t want to go to school for a long time, talk to their teacher and the school counselor.