by Globally, about 50% of people are bilingual or multilingual (in some parts of Europe, that figure is closer to 100%). But in the US, only about 25% of Americans can converse in a second language. Bilingual programs in schools are generally increasing. However, there are some myths about bilingualism that have persisted. Here, we look […]
Language Learning is Possible for All
by My children are bilingual, including my daughter who has Cri-du-Chat Syndrome, a disability that affects her mentally and physically. She’s not the only bilingual person with special needs, though. In fact, I know a young adult with Down Syndrome who is trilingual. And I read about another boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder who speaks […]
Language Learning for Parents: 8 Tips to Learn Like a Bilingual Kid
by As a trilingual American and mother to two bilingual kids, I’ve had a lot of firsthand experience with language learning. While I’m not an educator by training, I developed my own homespun curriculum to teach Spanish to my kids and to use in mother and child meetups I conducted out of my home. That […]
Be Fearless! Pass On Your Heritage Language and Culture To Your Children
by Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Join us to celebrate the rich cultures in the Asia Pacific region and support the families that are passing on their heritage culture to their children. Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going. – […]
5 Fun Bilingual Books to Promote Summer Reading and Language Learning
by Summer is a great time for ice cream, swimming, camps and other exciting activities. However, as research has consistently shown, it is important for children to continue reading over the summer to prevent “summer slide,” or a decline in their reading ability. The Children’s Literacy Initiative suggests five tips to prevent summer slide: 1) […]