By Rachel Hawthorne 

Parent involvement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When parents feel connected to their child’s school, students are more motivated, achieve higher, and build stronger confidence. For many teachers of multilingual learners, encouraging parent involvement can feel challenging. How can you explain what’s happening in the classroom or invite parents to take part if communication feels limited? 

The truth is: language alone doesn’t foster meaningful relationships. With a little creativity, empathy, and planning, you can open the classroom doors to every parent — no matter what language they speak. 

Here are some practical strategies you can start using right away! 

1. Visual and Multilingual Communication 

• Words aren’t the only way to share information. Parents who don’t speak English can still stay informed when communication is visual and accessible. 

• Newsletters and Invitations: Use plenty of pictures, icons, and bold headings. Even if parents can’t read every word, images can tell the story. 

• Bulletin Boards and Signs: Post visual instructions or class updates in multiple languages around your classroom. For example, a picture of a backpack with “Bring tomorrow” in English and Spanish/Swahili/Arabic. 

This effort communicates a powerful message: “You belong here, and we want you involved.” 

2. Technology Tools 

Technology has made it easier than ever to connect across languages. 

• Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, TalkingPoints, and EduSkills Family Engagement Services allow you to send text, voice notes, and even automatic translations. Parents may feel more comfortable sending a quick voice or text message in their language than writing in English. 
   

• Class Updates: Short videos or photo updates of classroom activities help parents feel involved without needing translation. 
   
   

• Parent Communication Platforms: Tools like ClassDojo, Remind, and EduSkills Family Engagement Services have built-in translation features, making it possible to send one message in English and have it delivered in multiple languages. 

3. AI Innovation 

Google Translate often provides direct, word-for-word translations that miss context and tone. We’ve evolved beyond that. This is where tools like ChatGPT and other AI tools like the EduSkills Translate App can make a real difference. With the right prompts, your communication can be translated into a parent’s language in a way that feels natural, clear, and respectful. 

• The key lies in prompting. You can guide ChatGPT and other AI tools by specifying the audience, the purpose of the message, and the tone you want it to convey. Framing your request this way ensures the translation captures not only the right words but also the right feeling. 
   

Pro Tip: When prompting translations, always include the word “contextual” in addition to prompting the audience and tone. This ensures the translation reflects the natural grammar and syntax of the target language, not just a literal word-for-word rendering. The result is phrasing that feels authentic and accurate to native speakers. 

Example Prompt 

“Translate this message contextually, into Swahili so it’s clear and culturally appropriate for parents. This is a note from the teacher about a school event. Keep the tone warm and professional. Message: ‘This is for a parent meeting at school next Thursday at 6 PM in the cafeteria. We will talk about your child’s progress.’” 

• An additional advantage of AI is consistency. By saving your favorite prompts in a AI tool, you can maintain a steady voice across different messages. Over time, this makes communication easier to create and ensures more effective, meaningful messages for parents. 
   

You can also use it to translate and upload school materials via your free account: 

• Upload the digital flyer and ask ChatGPT to provide a translated version that keeps the layout simple for families. 

• Paste in a newsletter and prompt: “Translate this school newsletter into contextual Spanish for parents, making sure school terms (like report card, cafeteria, field trip) are translated into terms that families will understand.” 

Pro Tip: Print the English and translated version side by side so parents can follow along — some even enjoy learning a few English words this way. 

4. Beyond Words 

Parent involvement doesn’t always have to mean speaking in English. There are many ways parents can add value to the classroom just by being present and sharing who they are. 

• Classroom Help: Invite parents to assist with art, crafts, or organizing supplies. 

• Field Trips: Field trips give parents a chance to engage with the class, observe your teaching style, and support learning firsthand. 

• Cultural Sharing: Invite parents to teach a song, share a recipe, or tell a story from their culture — even in their own language. 

• Events and Activities: Encourage parents to help set up for events, decorate classrooms, or bring traditional food. 
   

When parents contribute in these ways, they feel included and build stronger connections with their children and their school. In turn, their contributions enrich the classroom with diversity and new experiences.

5. Celebration of Cultures and Languages 

When parents see their language and culture valued in the classroom, they are more encouraged to get involved. 

• Multilingual Labels: Label objects around the classroom in both English and students’ home languages. 

• Learn Key Phrases: Learn a few key phrases or greetings in families’ home languages. Small gestures make a big impact and show genuine commitment to connection. 

• Culture Days: Host a “World Cultures Week” where families or students share music, dress, and traditions.

• Student Projects: Encourage students to create bilingual projects (like family posters) that involve parents. 

These approaches build an environment where differences are celebrated and all families feel welcome.

6. A Warm, Welcoming Space 

Sometimes the smallest actions make the biggest difference. 

• Greetings Matter: A smile, handshake, or a simple “hello” go a long way. Kindness is universally understood and appreciated. 

• Show Appreciation: Small gestures make a big impact and show genuine connection. Acknowledge parents’ efforts, make sure to know who they are, and go over to say hello at events. Even a simple handwritten note that says thank you in their language shows you took the time to look it up and that you are truly grateful. 

Parents may not understand every word, but they will remember how you made them feel. When parents know their voices, cultures, and efforts are valued, they gain the confidence to step into the classroom — giving students the gift of a stronger support system both at home and at school.

Conclusion 

Engaging non-English-speaking parents isn’t about perfect translation or flawless communication. It’s about creating opportunities, showing respect, and finding creative ways to connect. Creative strategies and tools like ChatGPT make it easier than ever to turn barriers into bridges. 

*Did you know that EduSkills provides access to a full-scale web-based Family Engagement Platform that allows parents to access curriculum content videos and workbooks in addition to allowing districts to send required parent letters and other important information through text, email, and built in EduSkills phone app tools. Reach out to learn more!