Students may find unstructured time overwhelming, leading to increased anxiety or dysregulation.
The Importance of Predictability
Many students rely on routine to feel secure. Without it, they may struggle with uncertainty or difficulty managing their time.
Creating Gentle Structure
- Establish a loose daily routine (e.g., morning activity, outdoor time, quiet time)
- Use visual schedules to outline key parts of the day
- Keep consistent sleep and mealtime routines where possible
Supporting Emotional Regulation
Encourage strategies that help students stay calm and regulated:
- Access to quiet or sensory-friendly spaces
- Regular physical activity
- Opportunities to talk about feelings and experiences
Balancing Flexibility and Structure
A flexible approach that still provides some predictability.This balance is key to maintaining emotional wellbeing.
