It is essential to continue sharing information about COVID-19 with English language learner (ELL) and immigrant families, especially as it changes. Key topics include:
Basic information about the virus, how it spreads, and who it most affects, such as the elderly and people with certain underlying health risks
What to do if you are sick
Preventative measures such as hand-washing, not touching your face, and staying home if you are sick
Information about social distancing
Here are some strategies to support that effort:
Ensure that students are receiving reminders on preventative measures regularly.
Encourage teachers to use visuals, videos, and demonstrations with ELLs on steps like hand washing and that they check students' understanding of that information.
Ensure that families receive this key information as well. Keep in mind that families will have different preferences on how they wish to communicate:
Phone calls, texts, and social media: Many families may prefer to communicate via phone, text, or social media instead of email. They may also be sharing regular updates with their own networks through these channels.
Translated information: Many COVID-19 resources have already been translated into other languages. Check with your local public health office to see if they have information serving the immigrant families in your community. We have also compiled multilingual resources below. Note: Families with lower levels of literacy may not be able to read written hand-outs. Making information available in a variety of forms will increase families' access.
Community networks and media outlets: Some immigrant communities may have robust communication networks within parent groups, with local organizations, or through media outlets in their language. Collaborating with these networks can provide a valuable two-way benefit both in sharing information and learning more about families' questions, concerns, and ideas.
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