A social story for starting school, with the reason for every line
The blanks are for the real names: the school, the teacher, the place you will meet them. Fill them in before you read it. The note beside each line says which advice it rests on.
10 pages: a cover for their photo and name, the story, a page for you, and picture cards to cut out. No sign-up.
1Soon I am starting school. My school is called .
Why the real nameRaising Children suggests getting familiar with the school before the first day: visit it, or explore the grounds at a weekend if you can.
2My teacher is . Teachers are there to help me.
Why this lineRaising Children: meet the teacher if you can, and “let your child know that teachers are there to help.”
3If I need the toilet, I ask my teacher. Then my teacher knows where I am.
Why the toiletRaising Children’s own example of explaining a school rule, and the reason for it: “If you want to go to the toilet, you need to ask. Otherwise the teacher won’t know where you are.”
4In the morning we do our goodbye, and then my grown-up goes.
Why one goodbyeParentkind suggest a consistent goodbye routine, such as a hug, a high five or a special phrase. Raising Children suggest a happy, confident goodbye, even on a day you feel sad.
5After school, my grown-up picks me up at .
Why the placeRaising Children: make sure your child knows where you will pick them up, and try to pick them up on time at a regular meeting spot. It helps a child feel secure.
6Some days I play with other children. Some days I play on my own. Both are OK.
Why say bothRaising Children: it is common for children to play with many different children and to play on their own sometimes, and it can take a while to settle into a group of friends.
7After school I might feel tired. I can rest and have a snack.
Why restRaising Children: a small snack straight after school, and if they are tired, rest and play at home for a few weeks before playdates and activities.
When to read it
A week or two before. Read it as a story first, and use it to start a conversation if they bring school up, rather than every night.
The whole plan behind this story, with what to do on the day: What to give a child starting school, and what they will actually use
Sources
Both sources were read on 21 October 2026. The Raising Children page was last reviewed on 19 July 2024, and the Parentkind page was published on 18 October 2024. We name them to identify their advice and imply no affiliation.
The pictures come from My First Day of School, one of our picture books. In the book, the child in them is yours.
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