TalkingPoints
Overview:
The TalkingPoints platform connects families and schools through a free, easy-to-use platform that allows them to engage in instant two-way communication via text message with automatic translation into 150 languages.
RISD parents and guardians will automatically receive messages from your child’s teachers via SMS text. When you do, make sure to save the number in your phone for easy access!
If you would prefer an app experience, download the app and log in using your mobile phone number.
Download the TalkingPoints App
TalkingPoints helps families and teachers talk to each other in many languages. If a family speaks a different language, they can still get messages from the school. The messages will be in the language they understand best.
Families can write back to the school in any language they want. TalkingPoints will change their message into English for the school to read. This makes it easy for everyone to understand each other.
If families don’t want to get text messages from TalkingPoints anymore, they can stop them. All they need to do is send a message that says “GOODBYE.” Then, they won’t get any more messages.
Getting Started Guide For Families
- Select the language you would like to send and receive messages in.
- Type in your mobile phone number (required) and your email address (optional).
- Check your text messages for a 5-digit verification code from TalkingPoints. Enter the verification code to continue.
- Tap the ‘Settings’ tab.
- Tap ‘Personal info’ – the first option under Settings.
- Make your changes to any of the following:
- Profile photo: Tap ‘Add profile photo’ to add your photo. To update your profile photo, select ‘Change profile photo’ under your current photo. Then, you can either take a picture or select one from your gallery.
- Name: Tap on the name field and enter your name.
- Phone number: If your phone number ever changes, tap the ‘Update’ button. Enter your new phone number, then the 5-digit verification code to complete the change.
- Language: Tap on your current language, then select a new language.
- Tap Save.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this exact reason, TalkingPoints has developed an optional, and free, Parent Mobile Application which they can use to receive messages, and bypass the texts. The Parent Mobile Application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
If families have downloaded the Parent Mobile Application, they can change their own language preference in the app!