A new or supply teacher: a social story

For children who find it hard when their usual teacher is away. What changes, what stays the same, and who can help.

Read the story

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

Episode 4 thumbnail: Teo hides under the table in his big yellow hat while Mamá gently lifts the brim — **Watch: Brave Means Scared** · Free episode 4 · a new class on YouTube

The story

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

Sometimes my teacher is away. Teachers sometimes go on courses or help at other schools.
When my teacher is away, another teacher looks after my class. They might be new to me.
Most things stay the same: my classroom, my friends and our class rules.
The new teacher might do some things differently. That is OK.
The new teacher might not know my name yet. I can tell them.
If I need help, I can ask the new teacher, or another grown-up I know.
I might feel worried, or miss my teacher. Lots of children feel this way.
Usually my teacher comes back when they can. A grown-up will tell me.
I can have a good day with a new teacher too.

My calm plan

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

🗓️ Check my timetable
🏷️ Say my name
🙋 Ask for help
🫁 Slow breaths

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/new-teacher/

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)

If you know about a change in advance, ask the school if your child can meet the new teacher, or see a photo of them.
Talk about what will stay the same: the room, friends, rules and the order of the day. A visual timetable helps.
Role-play at home: saying your name to a new grown-up and asking for help.
Share a short note with the school about what helps your child (strengths, interests, how they ask for help), so any cover teacher can see it.

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

Words that help

Try saying: "Most things will stay the same: your room, your friends, your rules."Instead of: "Your teacher will be back on Monday." (unless you know)
Try saying: "You can tell the new teacher your name."Instead of: "Just get on with it."

Questions parents ask

Should I tell my child why their teacher is away?

Keep it simple and gentle, such as "Mrs Lee is away for a few days". Avoid health details, and avoid promising a return date unless you know it.

My child had a hard day with a supply teacher. What now?

Listen, name the feeling and ask what the hardest part was. Share it with the school so they can plan a little extra support next time.

Why is there an episode here?

Our free episode Brave Means Scared is about Teo's first morning in a new class with a new teacher, and the one question that helps with worry: "What is the scariest bit?"

We read the best free examples and guidance we could find, then wrote a shorter, simpler version in our own words: Summerhill Academy (Cabot Learning Federation): when my teacher is away, social story (PDF); Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect): ten tips to support your child during transition. Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.

A new or supply teacher: a social story

The story

My calm plan

Want this story with your child as the hero?

How to use this story (for grown-ups)

Words that help

Questions parents ask

More social stories

First day at a new school

School drop-off and saying goodbye

Talking at school