Communicating with Families Before Winter Break: What to Say and Why It Matters
Building trust and collaboration without adding to your workload
Winter break is a much-needed pause for educators—and for many families, it’s also a time filled with excitement, uncertainty, and disrupted routines. For families of students with disabilities, extended breaks can raise questions about progress, regression, behavior changes, and what support will look like when school resumes.
The good news? You don’t need long emails, extra meetings, or detailed plans to communicate effectively before break. A thoughtful, proactive message can build trust, reduce confusion, and actually save you time in January.
Here’s what to say, why it matters, and how to do it without adding more to your already full plate.
Why Pre-Break Communication Matters
Families don’t expect perfection—they want clarity and reassurance.
A brief check-in before winter break helps:
Prevent misunderstandings about services and progress
Reduce anxious emails during the break
Set realistic expectations for January
Reinforce that you see the student as a whole child, not just a caseload number
Most importantly, it strengthens collaboration. When families feel informed, they are far more likely to approach concerns as partners rather than problems.
What Families Really Want to Know Before Break
You don’t need to cover everything. Focus on what matters most.
1. A Snapshot of How Things Are Going
Families appreciate a short, strengths-based update. This isn’t a progress report—just a pulse check.
Example:
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen growth in ___, especially when we’ve been working on ___.”
This reassures families that learning is happening, even during a busy season.
2. What to Expect Over the Break
Be clear and calm about what won’t be happening.
Families often wonder:
Will services continue?
Should we be doing schoolwork at home?
Will regression be a problem?
A simple statement helps:
“There are no required assignments over break. The goal is rest and routine.”
This alone can significantly reduce stress.
3. Any Anticipated Transitions After Break
If January brings schedule changes, new goals, or upcoming meetings, mention it briefly.
Example:
“When we return, we’ll be easing back into routines and continuing our current goals before introducing anything new.”
Predictability builds trust.
What You Don’t Need to Do
Let this be your permission slip.
You do not need to:
Write individualized, lengthy messages
Provide home packets unless required
Over-explain regression fears
Be available during break
Clear communication does not mean constant access.
A Simple Communication Formula (That Takes 10 Minutes or Less)
Use this structure for a class-wide or small-group message:
Positive observation
Break expectations
Reassurance
Warm closing
You can copy, paste, and personalize one sentence if needed.
Sample Message You Can Adapt
“As we head into winter break, I wanted to share a quick update. Over the last few weeks, your child has been working hard on ___ and showing progress in ___.
There are no required assignments over break, and the focus is on rest, routine, and enjoying time together. When we return in January, we’ll review routines and continue building on current goals.
Thank you for your continued partnership—I look forward to a strong start in the new year.”
Professional. Warm. Done.
Why This Actually Saves You Time
Proactive communication reduces:
Emotional emails sent late at night
January “catch-up” meetings
Misaligned expectations about services
Tension that spills into IEP meetings
When families feel informed, they feel respected—and respected families collaborate more effectively.
Final Thought: Communication Is Leadership
Communicating before winter break isn’t about being available 24/7. It’s about being intentional.
A short, thoughtful message:
Protects your boundaries
Honors family concerns
Models professionalism
Supports legally defensible practice
And best of all—it allows you to step into a break with a clear mind, knowing you’ve done what matters most.
If you’d like more strategies for communicating clearly without overworking yourself, explore the free resource Weekend Ready Lesson Prep Guide—designed to help you stay confident, compliant, and weekend-ready.
