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Phone calls with students and families who speak other languages.
Phone calls with students and families who speak other languages.
Educators should use the MCIS phone interpreters for a 3 way call with students or families who speak languages other than English. This ensures your communication is accurate and professional while the student/family has an opportunity to ask questions.
Teachers should use Microsoft Translate when communicating with ELLs via Google Meet or other online chats.
Most newcomer ELLs and their families are familiar and comfortable with What's App for video and phone calls. This app is not endorsed by OECTA or SMCDSB, but for newly arrived families to Canada it may be their only way of communication.
Checking in with recently arrived (within the last 6 months) newcomer families may require additional considerations:
Add a link to a Microsoft Translate virtual room and attach the QR code or alphabetical code in your video call invite or the side chat for students to access.
Encourage all students to join the Microsoft Translate virtual room so their voice is translated for the students who speak other languages.
As you exit the conversation there is an option to transcribe/record and attached conversation with a link to your lesson for all students to reference in the future.
Many of the apps educators currently use to communicate with families include translation features. If you're already using a messaging app with families, check if there are translation option. Here are some examples:
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