Supporting Students with Executive Functioning During Holiday Schedule Changes
By: Dr. Gabrielle Baker, President & Advocate
Holiday seasons bring joy, excitement, family events—and major routine disruptions that can be incredibly challenging for students with executive functioning needs. Changes in schedules, unfamiliar environments, and increased sensory demands can quickly lead to dysregulation, frustration, or declines in academic performance. The good news: with the right supports, students can stay regulated and successful even during the most chaotic weeks of the year.
Why Holiday Schedule Changes Are Hard
Students with executive functioning challenges rely heavily on predictability. They often struggle with flexible thinking, emotional regulation, transitions, or managing shifting expectations. When routines change quickly—early dismissals, assemblies, spirit days, altered class periods—it can overwhelm the skills they’re still developing.
Common difficulties can include:
• Increased anxiety or worry about “what’s happening next”
• Trouble shifting between activities or unexpected transitions
• Forgetting materials, assignments, or steps in multi-part tasks
• Emotional outbursts or shutdowns when plans suddenly change
• Difficulty generalizing classroom routines in unfamiliar environments
Understanding these challenges helps families and educators respond with empathy rather than frustration.
Support Strategies for Home and School
Preview Changes Early and Often
Provide visual schedules, written reminders, or simple “change alerts” that outline what will be different that day or week. Students do better when they know what to expect before the changes occur.Use Transition Cues
Timers, countdown reminders, and verbal cues (“In five minutes we’ll…”) help reduce the shock of sudden transitions and give the brain time to shift gears.Build in Regulation Breaks
Holiday activities can be overstimulating. Plan for sensory breaks, movement, quiet time, or calming tools to keep the nervous system regulated.Prioritize Consistency Where You Can
Even if the schedule changes, let core routines stay the same—morning check-ins, backpack checks, medication schedules, nightly reading time, or predictable bedtime routines.Chunk Tasks and Reduce Workload as Needed
Executive functioning struggles often worsen during busy seasons. Breaking assignments into smaller steps, offering checklists, or providing exemplars helps students stay organized and successful.Collaborate With Teachers
If holiday events or schedule shifts typically dysregulate your child, ask the team in advance:
• What will the schedule look like?
• Are there quiet or alternative spaces if the activity is overwhelming?
• How can we support transitions and expectations?
Educators can embed supports like visual reminders, reduced-demands days, predictable job roles, or structured seating to create a calmer experience for everyone.
Supporting Emotional Regulation
Students with executive functioning needs often feel big emotions during times of change. Naming emotions, offering choices, and validating their feelings can significantly reduce stress. Short scripts like “It makes sense that this feels different today—here are your two options” help maintain safety, structure, and connection.
Plan Ahead for Re-Entry After Breaks
Returning from winter break can be just as challenging as the weeks before it. A few days before school resumes, begin resetting routines: sleep schedules, morning prep routines, and gentle practice transitioning from one task to another.
Final Thoughts
Holiday schedule changes aren’t just inconvenient—they can be genuinely disruptive for students with executive functioning challenges. By planning proactively, using predictable supports, and partnering with teachers, families can help students feel grounded, capable, and successful even when routines shif
