By Dr. Tiffany Arrington, School Psychologist, Horizon Academy

The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, it can be a time of heightened stress and anxiety. At Horizon Academy, we understand that our students are infinitely brave, yet frequently tender, and the holidays can be overwhelming due to unfamiliar routines, extended family dynamics, and social pressures. But with some thoughtful preparation, we can help reduce the stress these special students face and create an environment where they feel empowered, supported, and understood.

1. Prime Them for Social Interactions

One of the most stressful parts of the holiday season for students with learning differences is the inevitable question: "How are you doing in school?" This question, asked by well-meaning relatives or family friends, can trigger feelings of discomfort and inadequacy in students who struggle with learning challenges.

Our students might rather choose to avoid the question altogether or, in some cases, react by withdrawing or becoming frustrated. To help reduce this stress, it’s crucial to prepare your child in advance for these social interactions. Priming is the art of preparing students for situations that they may not be able to anticipate, but that we can help them navigate.

One way to do this is by giving students the opportunity to practice answering the “school question” in a safe, supportive environment. Let them know that it’s okay to acknowledge challenges while also celebrating their progress. You might say, "If someone asks you about school, you could say something like, ‘School is going well, but I have to work a little harder on reading and writing than some other kids. I’m getting better at it!’” This helps students understand that they don’t need to feel ashamed or hide their struggles, and they can be proud of their efforts.

You know your student and together you can come up with a strategy to talk about the tough topics that may come up. Working through the expected conversations ahead of time can help reduce stress on the big day when everyone is gathered together.

2. Teach Them the Language of Feelings

Emotions can run high during the holidays, and for children with dyslexia or other learning disabilities, it can sometimes feel especially difficult to express their feelings clearly. When a student is feeling overwhelmed, they might not know how to verbalize that stress or anxiety. Giving them the language to describe their emotions can be a powerful tool for managing stress (Using Emotional Language; The three activities outlined in this resource are designed to help children explore their emotions and feelings.)

Before the holidays, take time to teach your student words and phrases they can use to express how they feel. For example, you might say, "If you feel stressed, you can tell someone, 'I’m feeling frustrated and need a break' or 'I feel anxious about the family gathering.'” Giving students the permission to say how they feel without judgment helps them gain confidence in managing their emotions. An article from Psychology Today explains how teaching emotional intelligence can lead to better stress management for students, especially those with learning disabilities (Psychology Today Article).

3. Create a Non-Verbal Cue for Help

In social settings, it can sometimes be hard for a student to express when they need help without drawing attention to themselves. One way to ease this tension is by creating a non-verbal cue that both you and your child can use if they need assistance. This could be something as simple as a hand signal, a certain gesture, or even an agreed-upon word that they can use when they are feeling overwhelmed.

For example, you might teach your child that if they feel uncomfortable, they can gently tap their wrist or make eye contact with you. This subtle cue lets you know they need a moment to step away from the crowd or need emotional support without drawing unwanted attention.

Research shows that non-verbal communication is an effective way to build trust and help children with learning disabilities feel more in control of their environment.

4. Debrief, Process, and Strategize

After a family gathering or social event, it’s important to give your student the opportunity to debrief the experience. Listen to your child and validate their feelings. Sit down together and talk about what went well and what could have been improved. This reflection helps students understand what they might need to do differently in the future and gives them the chance to process any emotions they might not have been able to express at the moment.

For example, you might ask: "What did you like about the gathering?" or "Was there a moment that made you feel uncomfortable?" This open conversation can increase the trust and deepen the bond between you and your child and can also be a space to strategize for future events, so your child feels more prepared next time.

5. Encourage Fun and Laughter

Lastly, it’s essential to remind your student that not everything about the holidays needs to be serious or stressful. Holiday gatherings are full of quirky moments and fun surprises. Give your student permission to laugh at the awkward moments and enjoy the absurdities of family dynamics.

For instance, consider incorporating a game like Thanksgiving Bingo (found on Jen's Digital Designs) into your holiday traditions. These lighthearted activities can help ease the tension and give your child the chance to enjoy themselves amidst the chaos of the season.

Humor is a natural stress reliever, and teaching students to laugh at themselves (and with others) can help them develop resilience.

In Conclusion

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a source of stress for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. By priming your child for potential social situations, teaching them how to express their feelings, creating a non-verbal cue for help, debriefing after social events, and encouraging humor, you can empower your child to navigate the holidays with confidence and calm.

As Chief Seattle once said, “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” 

This holiday season, let's focus on the connections that bind us together, support our students with compassion, and help them navigate the season with strength and joy.

Happy Holidays from Horizon Academy!

---

For additional resources on supporting students with learning differences during the holidays, visit the following links:

• Psychology Today - Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management
• Child Mind Institute - Enjoying Holidays with Less Stress
• Additudemag.com - Minimize Holiday Havoc
• The Parish School - Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

_____

Horizon Academy is a (K-8) school in Roeland Park, KS. We empower students diagnosed with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities to become effective learners and confident self-advocates.

Our staff is highly trained in the Orton-Gillingham (O-G) Approach, Multisensory Math (MSM), and the Strategic Instructional Model (SIM). 

Horizon Academy maintains accreditation through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and AdvancED and our program is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham.

Horizon Academy is the only school west of the Mississippi River to be accredited by the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Our teachers and interventionists are TRAINED AND CERTIFIED in Orton-Gillingham.

For more information on the Orton-Gillingham Approach, visit:  https://www.ortonacademy.org/

For more information about Horizon Academy, visit:  https://horizon-academy.org/