Printable Scholar

When Plans Change
A social story about changes of plan

Ages 4-812 pagesBig Feelings and Flexible Thinking

A calm, first-person story about changes of plan: inside recess, a different teacher, a moved trip. Read it together on screen below, one page at a time, or print it as a book.

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When Plans Change social story cover

Read the story

Read one page at a time. Let the child point at the pictures and say what is happening.

When Plans Change page 1
Page 1Every day has a plan. I like knowing what will happen.
When Plans Change page 2
Page 2My class has a picture schedule. It shows our plan for the day.
When Plans Change page 3
Page 3Sometimes plans change. If it rains, recess might be inside.
When Plans Change page 4
Page 4My teacher might be away. A different teacher might come instead.
When Plans Change page 5
Page 5A trip or a party might move to another day.
When Plans Change page 6
Page 6When plans change, I might feel worried, mad or sad. That is okay.
When Plans Change page 7
Page 7I can take a deep breath. I can look at the new plan.
When Plans Change page 8
Page 8My teacher can show me what will happen instead.
When Plans Change page 9
Page 9I can ask: What is happening now? Grown-ups can help me know.
When Plans Change page 10
Page 10Some new plans can be fun too.
When Plans Change page 11
Page 11Inside recess can have games, puzzles and building.
When Plans Change page 12
Page 12Plans can change. I can look at the new plan and try the next thing.
Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack cover

Print this story: Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack

  • When Plans Change, plus When I Feel Upset, When the Answer Is No, When I Make a Mistake, Asking for Help and Sharing With Friends
  • Every story as a full-page book (US Letter and A4), a half-page booklet and a one-page summary
  • A how-to-use page
Get the 6 stories for $7All 12 stories for $12
One-time purchase. Instant download. Secure checkout by Stripe. Two stories are free: Fire Drill and Staying With My Class.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this social story?
Read it on a calm day before the situation comes up, then again just before it happens. Many children like to hear it every day for a week or two. Point at the pictures and ask what the child would do.
What age is it for?
Children of about 4 to 8, in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade, at home or school, including autistic children and children in special education or speech therapy.
Can I print it?
Yes. The printable book, half-page booklet and one-page summary are in the Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack (6 stories, $7), or in both packs together (12 stories, $12).