After you set the home language for adults you’re communicating with, the text you send in English arrives on their phone in their language. When they respond in their language, you receive it in English. Presto!
Why Use TalkingPoints?
- Offers message translation in over 100 languages!
- While it comes through as a text to parents and guardians, you aren’t sharing your personal phone number. Instead, it comes from the TalkingPoints phone number. You can either use an app on your phone or your school computer to send and receive the text messages.
- Many families appreciate quick messages by text and the ability to respond to you directly in their language rather than needing to wait for an interpreter.
- When entering a student’s parent/guardian contact information, you can include multiple family members each with different languages if needed. You can also use TalkingPoints to communicate with English-speaking families.
- If parents choose to download the TalkingPoints mobile app, they will also have access to a Text-to-Speech feature to hear the message you sent in their language.
- According to Kery Harrelson, our district IT Director, TalkingPoints has a good security track record for school use and protects families’ contact information.
What Are Some Down Sides?
- It’s a machine. Occasionally it will make mistakes. Laugh it off and ask for clarification: “I don’t think I understand. Could you say that again in a different way? I really want to make sure I get it right.” Also, writing your texts in simple, short sentences will often increase accuracy.
- Texts aren’t the best way to communicate about touchy topics. For more serious, sensitive, or official communication, consider using TalkingPoints to let families know you have something important to discuss and that you’ll call at a specified time with Language Link or schedule a district interpreter (more on that next week).
How Can I Use TalkingPoints?
Create a free account at talkingpts.org. You can access 9-R video tutorials and a teacher flyer at this link. You can also find a Getting Started guide from TalkingPoints and additional resources from TalkingPoints to assist you further.
Under your profile in TalkingPoints, set the Notifications in your Settings to alert you to new messages from families. Please reach out to Kira Cunningham at the District Office with any questions or for help getting started.