A Change of Plan
Reading focus
Four short narratives about a cancelled activity, a changed time, a different teacher and an outing that cannot go ahead. Identify what changes, what each character knows, what is still unknown and how they ask for information or support. Intended reading level: Year 4. Characters and situations are for adult learners.
Before reading
Introduce Jack, Lucy, Tom and Grace. Read one scenario at a time if that suits the reader. Jack’s story is on pages 1–4; Lucy’s on pages 5–8; Tom’s on pages 9–12; Grace’s on pages 13–16. Ask what the character expected and predict what might change. Personal experiences do not have to be shared.
Words to explore
Cancelled: not going ahead as planned. Updated: changed to show the latest information. Timetable: a plan showing activities and their times or order. Repairs: work to fix something. Confirm: check that something is certain.
During reading
Use Talk Together to explore feelings, questions and the next steps. Read at a comfortable pace. Accept speaking, signing, pointing, drawing or communication devices. Discuss the individual character’s feelings without assuming that every reader feels the same way.
The four scenarios
Jack: Rain in the garden. He still wishes he could plant outside, but he knows the new plan.
Lucy: Art at a different time. Art happened later than usual. Looking at the timetable helped Lucy know when to return.
Tom: A different teacher. Rose is new to him, but he can still ask questions and get help.
Grace: The library visit. No new date has been set yet. Grace knows who she can ask for an update.
After reading
Retell one story using “First”, “Then” and “At the end”. Which activity was cancelled? Which activity happened later? Which routine stayed familiar even though the teacher changed? What did Alice say when she did not know a new date?
Connect with the reader’s routine
These are fictional examples, not promises about a particular school. With the reader, identify how their school communicates changes, who can explain the next step and what support or waiting space they can request. Show only confirmed information. Acknowledge uncertainty when a new date or plan is not known.
Respectful support
A person may understand a change and still feel disappointed, worried or frustrated. The stories do not require the reader to hide feelings or enjoy a replacement activity. Offer time and agreed support, and listen to questions. This is a general social narrative collection; individual use may need different details, language or visuals.
Comprehension and activities
Each story has its own comprehension questions. Choose a scenario for picture sequencing, or discuss how the characters ask for help.
Activities →About this edition
Original I Read Smart story, 2026. © 2026 I Read Smart. All rights reserved.
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