This first bundle of calm maths social stories (Set 1: Starting Maths) supports students across both primary and secondary settings who experience anxiety when starting maths tasks. Designed to reduce overwhelm, build confidence, and encourage independence, these structured social stories provide a consistent approach from early years through secondary school.

Who is this for?
Primary and secondary students
Pupils with maths anxiety
Autistic learners and those with SEN
Students who struggle to start maths tasks independently

What’s included?

Primary Set 1 – Starting Maths:

When It Is Time to Start a Maths Task
When I See a Maths Worksheet in Front of Me
When I Open My Maths Book and Don’t Know Where to Begin
When the Teacher Asks Me to Start Maths Work
When I Have to Start Maths on My Own

Secondary Set 1 – Starting Maths:

When It Is Time to Start a Maths Task
When I See a Maths Worksheet in Front of Me
When I Open My Maths Book and Don’t Know Where to Begin
When the Teacher Asks Me to Start Maths Work
When I Have to Start Maths on My Own

File formats included:
Individual printable PDFs
Editable PowerPoint versions
Teacher guide for both primary and secondary

Why this works
Provides a consistent structure across age groups
Normalises feelings of nervousness or uncertainty
Encourages independence and confidence in starting maths
Supports emotional regulation and coping strategies

Editable and flexible
All social stories are editable in PowerPoint so you can adapt the text, visuals, or names to suit your students’ needs and classroom context.

Created by a SEN and Maths specialist
Designed by a teacher with experience in both SEN and maths, ensuring strategies are practical, classroom-tested, and effective for students with anxiety or learning differences.