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Social stories · Home and family · ages 5–9 · 2-minute read

Getting ready in the morning: a social story

For mornings that feel rushed or turn into battles. The same steps, in the same order, every school day.

Read the story

By the Cala Luna team · Reviewed 24 October 2026 · The research behind it

The story

Read it aloud together, one card at a time. Point to the pictures and let your child read the last card.

  1. On school days, I wake up in the morning. An alarm or my grown-up helps me wake up.

  2. First I go to the toilet and wash my face.

  3. I put on the clothes we got ready last night.

  4. I eat my breakfast. Food gives my body energy for the day.

  5. I brush my teeth.

  6. I check my bag: lunch, water bottle and anything I need today.

  7. Shoes and coat go on. Then we leave the house.

  8. My picture chart shows me the next step, so I can do it myself.

  9. When I am ready, I can feel proud. I got myself ready!

My calm plan

Pick one or two before the day, and practise them at home.

  • 📋 Check my chart
  • ⏳ Beat the timer
  • 🎵 Morning song
  • 🫁 One slow breath

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/morning-routine/

Personalised social cartoon

Want this story with your child as the hero?

Cala Luna created personalised social cartoons: the social-story method, as a cartoon starring your child. Two minutes, their name, a hero who looks like them, and this exact moment, one small step at a time.

$12.99 · ready in 24 hours · checked by a person

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Mila, a young lynx in a red headband and striped T-shirt

How to use this story (for grown-ups)

  • Split the jobs: lay out clothes, pack the bag and make lunch the night before, so mornings only have a few steps.
  • Put a picture chart of the morning steps where your child can see it, and point to it instead of repeating instructions.
  • Get up 15 to 30 minutes earlier than feels necessary, and keep screens off until your child is ready to go.
  • Praise specific steps ("you packed your bag by yourself!"). If every morning is a struggle, check with the teacher in case school itself is the worry (see our drop-off story).

Why these steps: what 30 years of research says about social stories.

Words that help

  • Try saying: "What is next on your chart?"Instead of: "Hurry up, we are late again!"
  • Try saying: "You put your shoes on by yourself."Instead of: "Why can't you just get ready?"

Questions parents ask

How many steps should a morning chart have?

Usually five to eight, with a picture for each. Fewer, bigger steps are easier for younger children; you can split a step later if it keeps getting stuck.

My child dawdles every morning. What helps most?

Doing more the night before, a visible chart, and a game such as "beat the timer" for one step at a time. Calm, short reminders work better than lots of talking.

More social stories

Home and family

Bedtime and my own bed

Bath, pyjamas, teeth, story, goodnight. Sleeping in my own cosy bed.

Read the story →
Home and family

A new baby in the family

Babies need lots of care. I am still loved just as much.

Read the story →
Home and family

Moving to a new home

Boxes, a new bedroom, and the things that come with us.

Read the story →

All 28 social stories

We read the best free examples and guidance we could find, then wrote a shorter, simpler version in our own words: Raising Children Network: morning routine for school; Student Wellbeing Hub (Australian Government): getting ready for school, story (PDF). Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.