December consistency strategies become especially important as the holidays bring excitement, anticipation, and a calendar full of special events. However, it also brings disrupted routines, sensory overload, and unpredictability that can make the school day harder for many students. For children with disabilities, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities, these changes can feel overwhelming. With thoughtful planning and strong home/school collaboration, families and teachers can help students stay grounded and successful in the weeks leading up to winter break.
Keep Core Routines Intact
While the month may be filled with concerts, assemblies, and celebrations, predictable routines create a sense of safety. Teachers can maintain consistent morning procedures, learning blocks, and transition cues even on busy days. Families can support this by keeping home routines (i.e., sleep, meals, homework time) as steady as possible. A visual calendar in the classroom or at their desk can help students understand what stays the same even when other things shift.
Preview the Schedule Together
Surprises can be fun, but not when students rely on structure. Teachers can provide weekly or daily previews of schedule changes using visual schedules, written agendas, or short morning meetings. Families can review these changes at home, discussing what will look different and which coping strategies the child can use. For instance, my children’s school sends home a monthly calendar outlining special “spirit” outfits, assemblies, parties, and other events. We go over this with my son, allowing him to choose if he participates in the “spirit” day (no matter how hard we try, my son will NOT wear pajamas to school, and with all the changes in the month, it’s not something we choose to battle) and letting him know of changes in the schedule. When students know what to expect, they’re more equipped to manage the unexpected.
Build in Sensory and Regulation Breaks
December is full of sensory intensity, from crowded hallways to decorations, music, new smells, and shifting environments. Teachers can intentionally embed movement breaks, quiet corners, or sensory tools into the classroom routine. Families can encourage their child to request breaks, pack familiar sensory items, or practice grounding techniques. A few minutes of regulation can prevent a day of dysregulation.
Keep Academics Predictable and Purposeful
As excitement rises, some students worry that expectations are unclear. Teachers can help by keeping academic tasks structured, consistent, and well-defined, even if the content shifts to seasonal themes. Chunking assignments, using checklists, and providing clear start–finish expectations can reduce stress.
Use Social Stories as Part of December Consistency Strategies
For students who struggle with transitions or social uncertainty, social stories can be powerful. These can explain events like holiday concerts, school parties, or special classroom activities using simple language and visuals. Families and teachers can collaborate on stories that reinforce safety, expectations, and coping strategies.
Offer Choices to Foster Control
When everything feels unpredictable, even small choices matter. Teachers can offer options like where to sit during assemblies, which activity to complete first, or which sensory tool to use. Families can offer choices in morning routines, after-school activities, or holiday preparations. Control reduces anxiety and increases engagement.
Communicate Early and Often to Support December Consistency Strategies
The more connected families and teachers are, the better support students receive. Teachers can share upcoming events as early as possible, while families can communicate emerging stress signals they’re noticing at home, or if they’re seeing an increase in coping behaviors (like increased stereotypy, aggression, or tantrums) in the home environment, to help deal with a more stressful day at school. This shared understanding helps prevent challenges from escalating.
Ending December on a Joyful Note
Above all, December should be joyful, not stressful. By keeping consistency at the center of both home and classroom routines, families and teachers can create an environment where students can enjoy the season while continuing to feel secure, capable, and understood.
About the Author
Brittany Summers, PiP Development Director
Brittany Summers has been an active duty Air Force Spouse for over 20 years, wife to Kevin and mom to Owen (age 15) and Aubrey (age 13). In 2004, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Public Relations from the University of South Carolina. In 2013, Owen received an autism diagnosis, and Aubrey was identified to have a rare genetic mutation resulting in physical and intellectual delays.
In June 2022, Brittany earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) later that year. She currently works as a BCBA in a clinic setting, hoping to use Applied Behavior Analysis to make significant social change with her students, as it has with her family.
Since Owen and Aubrey were originally diagnosed in 2013, the family has moved due to military orders six more times. Brittany has found a passion for advocating for children with special needs, particularly within the military community. Realizing that she was not alone in the frustrations of re-establishing care at each duty station and lack of continuity with her children’s medical care and education, Brittany began working with Partners in PROMISE in 2023 to contribute to their efforts to educate, advise, and advocate for exceptional military families and their education.
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