Winter break is often a welcome reset for students and educators alike, but for many children, especially those receiving school-based therapy services, long breaks from routine can feel overwhelming.
Sudden changes in schedule, environments, and expectations may lead to dysregulation, increased anxiety, or regression in skills. This is especially true for students with communication challenges, sensory needs, or executive functioning difficulties.
This topic is especially relevant for school-based therapists, educators, and families supporting students in K–12 settings. With thoughtful preparation, winter break can be an opportunity for rest and reinforcement rather than disruption. In this post, we’ll explore why regulation support matters during school breaks and share practical, school-based therapy strategies to help students stay regulated before, during, and after winter break.
Why Winter Break Regulation Matters
Self-regulation refers to a student’s ability to manage emotions, behavior, and sensory input in order to participate meaningfully in daily activities. When routines disappear, such as therapy sessions, classroom schedules, and peer interactions, students may struggle to maintain regulation. This can show up as increased frustration, withdrawal, meltdowns, or difficulty transitioning back to school in January.
Helping students prepare for these changes supports emotional safety, continuity of skills, and a smoother return to learning. Regulation strategies also empower students and families with tools they can use across environments, not just in the classroom or therapy room.
Real-World Examples in School-Based Therapy
In school settings, therapists often support regulation by:
- Using visual schedules to preview upcoming changes
- Practicing coping strategies (deep breathing, movement breaks) before transitions
- Sending home simple visuals or strategy cards for families
- Embedding regulation language into daily routines (e.g., “What does your body need right now?”)
These strategies can be adapted easily for winter break planning.
How To: Support Regulation Before and During Winter Break
1. Help Students Know What to Expect
Use visual calendars, social narratives, or simple discussions to explain when break starts, what may be different, and when school will return.
2. Teach Regulation Tools Students Can Use Anywhere
Practice strategies students can use anywhere, such as:
- Belly breathing or counting breaths
- Chair stretches
- Identifying emotions using visuals or consistent words to talk about feelings and body energy
3. Keep Routines Flexible—but Predictable
Encourage families to maintain consistent sleep, meals, and transition cues, even if daily activities vary.
4. Send Home Simple Supports
Share visuals, strategy lists, or short activity ideas that families can easily implement without feeling overwhelmed.
Tips & Reminders
- Less is more: a few well-practiced strategies are better than many unfamiliar ones
Collaboration with families increases carryover
- Normalize that some dysregulation is expected after long breaks
- Focus on progress, not perfection
Closing
Winter break doesn’t have to mean a reset on regulation skills. With proactive planning and simple, student-centered strategies, school-based therapists can help students feel supported through transitions and return to school ready to reengage. Small steps before break can make a big difference in January.
Author: Divya Diana Samtani Khiatani
