Why Spring Break Can Feel Overwhelming for Students (and How to Help)
March 04, 2026
It’s that time of year when many of us, as educators, are counting down to the next extended break. The snow days (one of our favorite fringe benefits) have likely tapered off, and we’re back to five-day weeks – which we are capable of but now seem SO LONG!
Michigan is beginning to thaw and give way to sunshiny days. At least some days. The very next day may be rainy, snowy or cold. And that means recess is unpredictable, and students (and staff) may still be feeling a little cooped up.
But we have a break coming! Just a few more weeks (and then days, then hours). We are so ready! Why aren’t they? Why can’t they just hold on a little longer and know that some relief is on the way? We’ll all have a break from the day-to-day grind (and each other) and come back refreshed and ready to finish out the year strong!
Let’s take a moment and see if we can put it into perspective. Imagine living in a world where your days follow a steady rhythm. You know when things happen, where you’re supposed to be and what’s expected of you. The structure holds everything together. You probably didn’t have to stretch your imagination too far here. This is a typical school week – and what you as an adult may be desperate to take a much-needed break from.
Now someone tells you that for a week, all of that disappears. You won’t be in the same place. Your schedule will change. Sleep, meals and daily expectations will look different. People keep saying how fun and relaxing it will be, but no one has given you a clear picture of what your days will feel like. Some parts might be exciting. Other parts might be boring, overwhelming or unpredictable. While many of us may be looking forward to a few moments of boredom, for many students, that can feel uncomfortable.
Even when the change is positive, your body and mind have to let go of a routine that’s been steady for months. And that routine was very comfortable. So, you feel off. A little restless. A little unfocused. Maybe more emotional than usual.
For many students, this is what spring break feels like. It’s not just a vacation – it’s a sudden shift in structure. And sudden shifts, even good ones, can create anxiety. As adults, we have many years of experience with these shifts, often with positive outcomes. We’ve built lifelong memories during breaks like this, and we know that there are more to come. Students have less practice, so this anxiety may be heightened. And as all educators know, with heightened anxiety comes increased behavioral challenges.
We may think the countdown chart we’re displaying is helping students push through to the finish line. (It is likely helping us through school days that suddenly feel so much longer than they did a few months ago.) However, a constant reminder of this upcoming shift in routine may be heightening anxiety. Instead, keeping the routines as predictable as possible can better help students with this transition. There will likely be some fun school-wide celebrations, which are a great opportunity to build relationships and create memories. If possible, give students plenty of prior notice and discuss what can be expected.
It may also be helpful to plan for difficulties with focus by breaking assignments or projects down into smaller “chunks” so that the work leading up to break feels more manageable and less overwhelming when anxieties may be high. Remember to continue discussing with students plans for after the break as an anchor back to comfortable predictability.
Younger students might benefit from open conversation about how the break might feel. Some students thrive with unstructured time, while others feel anxious without the predictability of school. Before the break, it can be helpful to talk about how routines might change and brainstorm ways students can care for themselves. Discussing sleep schedules, screen time and healthy ways to handle boredom or worry can prepare them to return feeling more grounded.
Ultimately, supporting students’ anxiety during this season is about balance: honoring excitement while acknowledging stress, encouraging rest while maintaining helpful structure and preparing for change without rushing it. When adults approach spring break with empathy, consistency and practical strategies, they create an environment where students can finish strong – and step into what comes next with greater confidence and calm. And more successful school days leading up to our own well-earned break!
Deidra LaPointe is an elementary teacher at Luther C. Klager Elementary School in Manchester Community Schools.