How to Prevent Regression Over Winter Break With Simple, School-Approved Home Strategies

By: Dr. Gabrielle Baker, President & Advocate

Winter break is a joyful reset, but for many students, long stretches without structured practice can lead to academic or behavioral regression. The good news? You don’t need a full curriculum or hours of daily work to keep skills fresh. With a few simple, school-approved strategies, families can support their child’s learning in ways that feel natural, stress-free, and doable.

1. Keep a Light, Predictable Routine
You don’t need a strict school schedule, but kids do best with consistency. Keep wake/sleep times within an hour of their school routine and build in short daily “learning moments.” Predictability supports executive functioning and makes the return to school smoother.

2. Use 10–15 Minutes of Skills Practice
Short, focused practice prevents academic regression without overwhelming kids. Ideas:

• Read together or have your child read aloud

• Review sight words or letter sounds

• Practice simple math facts or math games

• Write one short paragraph, journal entry, or sentence of the day
  Small bursts of practice maintain momentum much more than occasional long sessions.

3. Turn Daily Activities Into Learning Opportunities
Everyday moments are powerful:

• Cooking = following directions, sequencing, measuring

• Grocery shopping = reading labels, comparing prices, counting

• Holiday activities = storytelling, vocabulary, describing events

This type of embedded learning mirrors classroom goals while feeling fun and low-pressure.

4. Keep Social and Emotional Skills Active
Breaks can disrupt routines that support self-regulation. Reinforce the same skills used at school:

• Use visual schedules for activities and transitions

• Practice calming strategies the child already knows

• Role-play problem-solving or flexible thinking
  When students return after break, these practiced routines can make classroom expectations much easier to meet.

5. Maintain Communication Tools
If your child uses a communication device, visuals, or structured language supports at school, continue using them at home whenever possible. Keeping these tools active helps prevent language regression and supports generalization.

6. Keep Writing and Fine-Motor Skills Fresh
A few minutes of writing, tracing, cutting, coloring, or building with small manipulatives keeps fine-motor muscles engaged. For younger learners, even drawing holiday pictures or writing thank-you notes counts as meaningful practice.

7. Protect Sleep, Nutrition, and Movement
These foundational supports are often the first to shift during holidays. Aim for consistent sleep routines, balanced meals, and plenty of movement or outdoor time. A regulated body makes it easier for the brain to hold onto skills.

8. Plan a Smooth Transition Back to School
A few days before break ends, slowly tighten routines again. Preview the return with your child—what classes will look like, what they are excited or nervous about, and what supports they can use. A prepared child experiences less stress and fewer setbacks.

Final Thoughts
Winter break should be restful and joyful—not stressful. With simple routines, short bursts of practice, and everyday learning moments, you can help your child maintain the skills they’ve worked so hard to build. These small, consistent actions make a big difference when school resumes.