The disruption of school routines and the potential for social isolation can make the holiday season more difficult for them. As a parent, there are steps you can take to ensure your child is both supported and prepared for the winter break, creating a positive and enriching experience. This is particularly important for both residential students who return home on weekends and day students who leave after school, as the break affects them in different ways.
1. Maintain a Routine Before the Break
Deaf students, like all students, thrive on routine. In the days leading up to winter break, try to maintain as much consistency as possible in your child's daily schedule. Whether it's reading together each night, practicing sign language, or engaging in other educational activities, sticking to familiar routines can provide comfort and stability during the break. For residential students, the break might feel like an abrupt transition from school life, so keeping up some of their school routines at home can make this change less overwhelming.
2. Talk About the Break and Expectations
Open communication is key to preparing your child for what lies ahead. Before the break begins, sit down with your child and discuss what to expect during the holidays. Explain changes to routines, travel plans, and family gatherings in a way that is clear and accessible. For Deaf students, use visual aids, sign language, or written communication to ensure they understand the details of what will happen during the break. For residential students, make sure to talk about how the break will differ from their usual weekend returns home, and for day students, explain how the longer break may feel different from their regular after-school time off.
3. Plan for Social Interaction
One of the biggest challenges for Deaf students during the winter break is the lack of social interaction with peers. The time away from school can lead to isolation, especially if your child relies on school and classmates to practice their communication skills. To combat this, plan for social activities like video calls with friends, attending community events with other Deaf families, or organizing family gatherings where communication is accessible. For residential students, encourage them to stay in touch with friends from school through digital means, such as video chats, especially if they’re not able to participate in weekend or holiday gatherings with peers. Day students can benefit from planning playdates or social outings with friends to stay connected.
4. Use Technology for Learning and Fun
Technology can be a powerful tool for both learning and staying connected. Encourage your child to use apps, videos, or online resources to continue practicing sign language or engaging in other interests. You can find educational games, holiday-themed sign language lessons, or even interactive storybooks that are accessible to Deaf students. These tools will keep your child mentally engaged and provide a fun way to learn. For residential students, encourage the use of technology during weekends at home to keep their skills sharp and maintain communication with friends and school.
5. Balance Screen Time and Family Time
While technology offers great opportunities for learning and socializing, it is also important to balance screen time with family time during the holidays. Too much screen time, whether for learning or entertainment, can lead to overstimulation or isolation, especially when your child may already be separated from their peers during the break. Set aside time each day for face-to-face interactions, whether it’s sharing meals together, playing board games, or engaging in outdoor activities. These moments of connection will help reinforce family bonds and create lasting memories. Encourage your child to participate in family traditions, share stories, and explore new activities that don't involve screens, helping them reconnect with loved ones. For residential students, weekends spent with family can offer quality time to bond without the distraction of technology. For day students, the break is an opportunity to step away from routine digital learning and enjoy meaningful time with family and friends.
6. Encourage Independent Activities
While the holidays are a great time for family bonding, it’s also important to encourage your child to engage in activities independently. Whether it’s drawing, writing, cooking, or exploring a new hobby, independent activities allow children to develop self-reliance and creativity. Provide resources like books, craft supplies, or online tutorials that can inspire your child to take on new challenges and learn independently. For residential students, it can be helpful to set up activities they can do at home with minimal supervision. Day students may find independent activities especially useful after school hours when family members may be busy with holiday preparations.
7. Provide Emotional Support
The long break can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness or frustration, especially if your child is missing the regular structure of school. Be sure to check in on your child’s emotional well-being throughout the break. Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling and let them know it’s okay to reach out when they need help. If your child is feeling isolated, consider enrolling them in a winter break program or a community-based activity that connects them with other Deaf children. For residential students, who may spend longer periods away from school friends, staying connected digitally with peers can help ease feelings of loneliness. For day students, make sure they feel supported when the school routine changes at home.
8. Incorporate Holiday Traditions
Including holiday traditions in your family’s activities can help make the season feel special and inclusive. Whether it’s crafting holiday decorations, learning sign language versions of festive songs, or preparing a holiday meal together, these activities provide opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories. Introduce Deaf-friendly resources, such as storybooks in sign language, to help your child feel connected to the holiday season. For residential students, incorporating these traditions during weekends home will give them a sense of continuity. For day students, maintaining a blend of traditions both at school and at home can make the season feel festive and exciting.
9. Prepare for a Smooth Return to School
While winter break is a time to relax, it’s also helpful to prepare your child for a smooth return to school. As the break comes to an end, have a conversation about what to expect when school resumes. You can discuss any upcoming events, new subjects, or changes to the school routine. If your child seems anxious about returning, offer reassurance and remind them of the exciting aspects of school, such as seeing friends and learning new things. For residential students, it may help to discuss how the transition back to school will differ from returning after a weekend. For day students, remind them of the familiar routine and activities they will be returning to, helping them feel prepared and confident.
10. Help Them Stay Active
Staying active is crucial during a long break, both physically and mentally. Encourage your child to take part in activities that promote physical health, such as walking, swimming, or even simple indoor exercises. If they enjoy sports, look into local community programs or recreational leagues for Deaf students. Regular physical activity will help your child feel energized and maintain their well-being during the break. For residential students, encourage outdoor play or physical activities that they can enjoy with family or friends over the weekends. Day students can benefit from after-school sports or recreational activities to keep them engaged.
Conclusion
Winter break is an opportunity for rest and fun, but for Deaf students—whether they are residential students returning home on weekends or day students leaving after school—it’s important to balance relaxation with structure and connection. By maintaining routines, facilitating social interaction, encouraging independent activities, providing emotional support, and balancing screen time with family time, you can help your child enjoy a fulfilling and positive winter break. When your child feels supported and prepared, they’ll return to school refreshed and ready for the next challenge.
References:
- "Helping Students Cope With Returning to School After Winter Break." LDA America. Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org.
- Hanks, C., & Swanson, P. (2021). Supporting Deaf Children’s Mental Health During the Holidays. Journal of Deaf Education, 17(3), 45-59.
- "The Importance of Social Interaction for Deaf Students." National Association of the Deaf. Retrieved from https://www.nad.org.
- "The Role of Technology in Supporting Deaf Students’ Learning." American Sign Language Teaching Resources. Retrieved from https://aslresources.org.