Communicating with Parents of Dual Language Learners

[Meredith]

I have used a phone translator app to communicate in their native language with parents who don’t speak English. It worked pretty well, and parents appreciated the extra effort I took to convey the message to them.

[Krista Starr]

From my experience parents often are able to read English so a way to communicate is through email. Keep the words concise and separate the subjects being discussed.

[Sam]

As a French native but fluent in English, when I have families where parents do not speak much English I use a translator, either on my phone or via email as it is easier for them to read and translate then send me a response. I also ask if they have other family or friends that could help translate.

[Hurryguru]

Translator will be a helpful tool. but in some cases it will not help for that issue.

[Danielle]

I try to ask the parents how they would feel most comfortable communicating, I’ve used a translator, a translation app and simple words in an email.

[Ada]

Try and supply books in class that are available in both English and the child’s home language so that parents have the opportunity to read these same books at home

[Jenny]

Ask questions, listen and learn about them. Even if you need to use a method of translation. Helps them feel comfortable builds trust when you validate their diversity

[Heather]

I believe it is important to build a sense of trust and security and provides variety of activities for learning so all children have an opportunity to learn

[Tammy]

I used a phone translator app if someone wasn’t available. We took our time talking back and forth making sure each of us understood the other.

[Lisa]

I agree that it’s important to take your time so both parents and teachers understand one another. The phone translator is a great idea as well, I also think it’s important to begin learning some key words in their language. This will help in building a rapport with the parents and they will be very appreciative that you took the time to learn their language.

[Tammy]

I ask my Parents for a list of comments words or phrases they use at home.

[Marie Ann D.]

Working in a Spanish Immersion Preschool, I have it wired in my brain that every communication needs to be shared in at least two languages. It’s important that we get to know the languages that are present in our preschool and do our best to be inclusive. I think what we need to work on is to make sure that no one feels like they’re an afterthought. Does it make some things take twice as long? Absolutely. But I think it’s an important step in working towards diversity and inclusion. Technology has advanced significantly, and we have so many tools at our disposal.

We can also do some research to see what community resources we have available and if we could potentially connect our families with them. As scary as it might seem for us to navigate these conversations, it’s probably twice as scary for our families whose first language isn’t English. Taking this extra step towards inclusivity can go a long way and it can help us strengthen relationships with our families. We should also try to keep communication as simple as possible and try not to overcomplicate anything. Visual aids are also super helpful! There are so many different things that we can do to include all families, and children can pick up on that. No family should feel like an outsider in our class or our school. We need to do our best to ensure that!