After a long winter break, transitioning back into routines can be challenging for everyone—especially for young children in early childhood special education classrooms. For autistic children, in particular, the shift from the relaxed pace of the holidays to structured classroom life can feel overwhelming. The good news? With a bit of preparation and the right strategies, you can ease the transition for your students and yourself.
In this blog post, we’ll revisit foundational strategies to help reestablish routines and create a smooth return to learning. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a parent looking for tips to support your child, these strategies will set the tone for a successful first week back.
Give Yourself Grace
The transition back from winter break is hard for everyone—students and educators alike. It’s natural for things to feel a bit chaotic at first, so don’t be hard on yourself. Often, you’ll notice that students may have a “honeymoon day” on the first day back, followed by more dysregulation on day two. This is entirely normal, so take a deep breath and embrace the process.
Go Back To The Basics
When reestablishing routines, focus on the foundational elements that set the stage for a thriving classroom:
- Regulation: If students are dysregulated, this should be your first priority. Co-regulation and self-regulation strategies are crucial. For ideas, check out Episode 7 of the Autism Little Learners Podcast, which dives deeper into these concepts.
- Connection: Reconnect with your students by incorporating play and low-demand activities. While structure is still essential, prioritizing connection through shared activities with favorite toys or games can help rebuild trust and rapport.
Revisit Routines With Visual Support
Visual supports are a game-changer in early childhood special education, especially after extended breaks. They provide clear, tangible cues that help students anticipate what’s coming next, reducing anxiety and fostering smoother transitions. Here are a few foundational visual supports to consider:
- All Done Bucket: A tool to help with transitions. Use it with a timer to signal the end of playtime and encourage students to place their toy or activity in the bucket.
- Wait Mat: Helps students temporarily part with a preferred object during an activity. It builds trust and teaches patience as they learn they’ll get the object back when the activity is done.
- Star Chart: A countdown visual that helps prepare students for transitions, providing a sense of structure and predictability.
- Visual Schedules: These remain essential for helping students understand and anticipate their day. After a break, students may need extra support to re-engage with their schedules. Be ready to model and offer more cues during the first week back.
Start Small And Build Up
Don’t expect students to pick up exactly where they left off before break. Adjust your expectations and gradually reintroduce routines. Lower demands, provide extra support, and focus on consistency. Over time, your students will settle back into the flow.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning back into routines after a long break takes patience and intentionality. Remember to give yourself grace, prioritize connection, and lean on visual supports to help your students feel secure and successful.
As you settle back into the classroom rhythm, know that the effort you put into creating a supportive environment makes a lasting impact. You’ve got this!
Listen to the Podcast: Episode #51
Related Topics:
Episode #35: Using Predictable Routines To Help Your Classroom Run More Smoothly
Episode #45: Navigating Holiday Gatherings With An Autistic Child
Read the blog: Navigating Holiday Gatherings With An Autistic Child
If you use visual supports in your classroom or home, you are going to want to sign up for this free Visual Supports Starter Set ASAP! Click here to have one sent to your inbox. Also, be sure to read more about visual supports and how they can help autistic children here.
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