As we have been visiting all our schools this week, we have really noticed Christmas starting to creep into the school day. This can often be a challenging time for many of the children that we support as routines can change and memories can often resurface causing emotions to become overwhelming.
As we approach the even busier time within this term, it is important to try to keep routines as consistent as possible, prepare the children for any changes that will be occurring and talk them through what these changes will look like. Let them know what will be happening.
A lot of schools use a visual timetable within the classroom, this is a great strategy, and we often recommend popping a ‘surprise’ visual into the timetable and supporting the child/children with how they could respond to this when they see that a ‘surprise’ (something different) is going to be happening. Model and role play appropriate responses.
Christmas is a wonderful time as school are ‘buzzing’ with Christmas spirit, we want everyone to enjoy the lead up to Christmas, just remember many children need routine, consistency and continued emotional support during this time of the year.
We are so looking forward to seeing how all of our schools celebrate Christmas – we love a good Christmas nativity, carol service and most of all a Christmas party!!
Reach Behaviour 