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School Break Resource Guide

Spring break is right around the corner! While some may welcome the change of pace, for many children—especially those who thrive on consistency—a departure from routine can feel less like a "vacation" and more like losing their roadmap.

At Franklin Center, we know that for our students, routine equals safety. When their familiar structure shifts, the world can feel unpredictable, leading to sensory overload and challenging behaviors we all want to avoid. That's why we've compiled this list of tips and resources to help your family navigate the changes, and set you up for success!
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Connection over perfection! Spring break isn't about a flawless photo album. The true goal is to rest and create family memories. As a parent, you can prepare your child for a positive week by examining your own mindset.
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Check Your Expectations

Parents can often feel immense pressure to create magical memories, which leads to over-scheduling and high-stress environments.

 

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Model Calm

Kids are emotional mirrors; they don’t just see our stress, they absorb and reflect it. To keep them regulated, we must model a low-stress pace ourselves.

 

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Keep it Simple

Sometimes, "less" truly is "more" for a child's sensory system. A quiet morning at home can be just as valuable as a trip to the zoo or day at a waterpark.

Success starts with a preview. We can proactively decrease anxiety by giving children a mental walkthrough of what’s coming.
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The Practice Run

If you are flying, some airlines allow kids to board a real plane before travel day. If you’re staying local, drive by the museum or park you plan to visit.

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Keep Your Familiar Points
  • If your child eats cereal at 7:00 AM every school morning, do the same on vacation. These small rituals tell their nervous system: "I know this part. I am safe."
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Pack the Comforts

Never underestimate the power of a favorite blanket, a specific fidget, or a well-loved book. Familiarity creates a sense of security in new spaces.

Our Favorite Tools for Preparation

At Franklin Center, we see daily how much kids thrive when they know what to expect. You can bring those same tools into your home for the week.

  • Visual Schedules: Map out the day—or even just half the day—using pictures and words. When a child can see the sequence of events (First: Breakfast, Then: Park, Last: Quiet Time), their anxiety is reduced. You can find an example of a visual schedule here.

Social Stories: Create a simple narrative to set the stage. For example: "Next week is different because there is no school. Instead, we are going to the beach!" You can find an example of a social story about traveling on spring break here.

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  • Sensory Friendly Events and Activities

    The Children's Museum offers resources to make your visit more inclusive for all, including a video to prepare for what you will see and experience.

    The Bell Museum offers Sensory Friendly Saturdays on the third Saturday of each month.

    The Science Museum offers Sensory Friendly Sundays on the first Sunday of each month.

    The Walker Art Museum offers Sensory Friendly Sundays on the second Sunday of each month.

    The Children's Theatre puts on sensory friendly performances, and has created opportunities to preview the theatre experience through social stories and "meet your seat" days.

    Orchestra Hall offers occasional sensory-friendly concerts.

    Como Zoo offers monthly early entry days, to explore the zoo without the crowds. They also have included a social story and "visual adventure board" resources to prepare for your visit.

    Urban Air Adventure Park in Plymouth offers monthly sensory friendly Open Jump hours. Check the full calendar for details.

    AMC Theatres offers a Sensory Friendly Film Program a few times each month. Next up, Hoppers!

     

  • Preparing For Your Flight

    Minneapolis St. Paul Airport offers practice runs through the airport where you can explore the terminal, experience the TSA security procedures, board a plane, and meet a pilot! This program is offered monthly. If you can't make the upcoming practice day, they also offer a video social narrative all about the airport experience.

     

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