Summary
A kid-friendly social story about transitions—how to stay calm when it’s time to stop one activity and start another (clean up, move to lunch, leave the playground, etc.).
Understanding Transitions: Learning to Keep Calm is a printable SocialTales social story staying calm during transitions that helps kids handle changes between activities—hearing “time to clean up,” moving from classwork to lunch, or stopping a game—without melting down. New to autism? The CDC’s overview is a clear, parent-friendly starting point: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/about/.
It models calm tools like deep breathing and counting to five, using a respectful voice to ask for a little more time, and listening to directions so everyone can finish safely. What are social stories? See this clinical explainer with examples: https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center/social-narratives.
Inside you’ll also find a short list of key concepts (staying calm, asking for time, communicating feelings), multiple-choice “check for understanding” questions, and a Social Cues Guide with practice scenarios you can role-play after reading. Print it, read it aloud, pause to ask “what’s happening/what’s next/why,” and carry the language straight into real life. Want local practice ideas for change-time? Check kid-friendly events and classes here: https://alexandriava.gov/Recreation.
Download the social story staying calm during transitions below and use it as a simple script you can revisit before change-time.
Why this social story staying calm during transitions works
Transitions are hard because the brain is switching tasks while feelings are still big. This social story staying calm during transitions breaks change-time into tiny wins—pause the body, take one slow breath, ask for “one more minute” the respectful way, and follow a simple first/then plan. Short lines + clear pictures make it easy to read aloud, point, and model.
How to use it in 3 steps
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Preview before predictable changes (clean up, line up, leave the playground). Read one page, point to the picture, and practice a breath.
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Do a quick role-play: set a 1-minute timer, say “Time to switch,” breathe, then choose the “then” activity together.
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Review after tough moments: Which step helped? What can we try next time?
Ideas & tools
Pair with a visual timer, a small choices board (“walk with me,” “carry the book,” “press the elevator button”), and a simple repair script (“I felt mad. I took a breath. I’m ready now.”). Print the story, keep it on a tablet, and reread one page for a few days if a step feels hard—small, predictable practice builds confidence that carries to class, home, and community.
