"Starting a New Activity" – Managing Change Social Stories & SEL Lessons

"Starting a New Activity" – SEL Social Stories & Managing Change Activities

Do your students struggle with switching from one activity to another? The Starting a New Activity Packet is designed to help children transition smoothly with engaging social stories, reflection questions, and hands-on activities that build confidence in handling change!

As a Special Education teacher, I know that transitions can be challenging for many students, especially those who thrive on routine. This resource provides structured, interactive lessons to support children in moving from one task to the next with less resistance and more success.

What’s Included? (23 Pages)
Social Stories:
✔ Jack’s Story – "Time to Switch to Reading" – Jack is having fun building a block tower but struggles to stop when it’s time for reading.
✔ Liam’s Story – "Snack Time is Next!" – Liam is close to winning his game but must pause for snack time.
✔ Sophie’s Story – "Time for Classwork!" – Sophie doesn’t want to stop drawing but remembers that classwork is important too.
✔ Ethan’s Story – "Switching to Free Time!" – Ethan is deep into his writing assignment when free time begins.
✔ Noah’s Story – "Time on the Swings" – Noah hesitates to stop playing when the recess whistle blows.

Interactive Activities & Discussion Prompts:
- Transition Timer Challenge – Practice stopping a fun activity and switching to a quiet task.
- "What Would You Do?" Discussion Cards – Explore different transition scenarios and problem-solving strategies.
- Act It Out: Smooth vs. Stubborn Transitions – Role-play positive and negative transition behaviors.
- "Pause & Switch" Game – A fun activity that encourages quick, calm transitions.
- "Save It for Later" Activity – Teach students how to pause and return to unfinished tasks without frustration.
- Transition Signal Practice – Help students develop personal reminders for switching activities.

Want more like these? The comprehensive packets covers five key transition challenges:
✔ Starting a New Activity – Learning how to shift focus and begin something new with a positive mindset
✔ Dealing with Unexpected Changes – Coping with sudden schedule shifts, surprises, or new rules
✔ Going from One Place to Another – Moving between classrooms, transitioning between home and school, or leaving a fun activity
✔ Finishing One Task and Starting Another – Managing emotions when switching from work to play (or vice versa)
✔ Handling Changes in Routine – Adjusting to substitute teachers, early dismissals, or other disruptions to the usual schedule

How to Use This Packet:
Use in social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons to teach transition skills
Print and use as discussion starters for morning meetings or small groups
Incorporate into classroom routines to help students shift activities with ease
Perfect for special education, counseling, and behavior intervention plans

Download now and try it out! If you find this resource helpful, check out the FULL BUNDLE for even more social stories, reflection questions, and hands-on activities!
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