Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Using translator to communicate with ESOL students I recently had two ESOL students join my reading group who are Spanish speaking. Since they are still trying to learn English, they usually communicate in Spanish, which I am not fluent in. So I have resorted to using a translator app on my phone to understand better what they are saying and show them how to say it in English. Is this a proper method to be using or should I find another way? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) While this is a solution that can be used, there are better alternatives. If you have ELL students who speak both English well and Spanish they could be paired with the student who you are trying to communicate with. Translators can sometimes not get things exactly so if the school has a teachers aide who speaks Spanish they can assist when available as well. I would use a translator on the phone if there was not other resources, because at the end of the day you have to use what you have to communicate with and teach the student equally as all other students.