Raising Bilingual Children
Date and Time
A practical, research-backed workshop for parents and caregivers.
Raising a bilingual or multilingual child is one of the greatest gifts you can give, but it also comes with questions. How can I help my child maintain our heritage language? What if they prefer English? Will speaking more than one language confuse them? What does the research actually say?
Join us at the Harvard Museum of Natural History for an engaging morning designed specifically for parents, caregivers, and families raising bilingual children. Hear from leading researchers from Harvard and Tufts University as they share the latest findings on bilingualism, heritage language development, and practical strategies for supporting children’s language growth at home. Each short talk will be followed by opportunities for questions and discussion.
You’ll leave with:
- Research-backed strategies for raising bilingual and multilingual children
- Practical ideas for supporting your heritage language in everyday life
- A better understanding of the cognitive, social, cultural, and educational benefits of bilingualism
- Resources to help your family create a language-rich home
- Inspiration and confidence to continue your bilingual journey
Featured Speakers:
Paola Uccelli is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education who studies how children develop language and literacy, with a particular focus on multilingual learners. Her research examines how the language skills children develop at home and at school contribute to reading, writing, communication, and learning.
María Luisa Parra-Velasco is a Senior Preceptor in Spanish and the Director of the Spanish Language Program at Harvard University. For more than 20 years, she has worked with bilingual and bicultural students, with a special focus on helping young people strengthen their Spanish while embracing their cultural identities.
Calvin “Chip” Gidney is an Associate Professor in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University. A linguist and child development expert, Dr. Gidney studies how children develop language and literacy and how language connects to culture, identity, and the communities around us.
Price
$30/person for members. $35/person for nonmembers
Price includes museum admission
Free event parking is available with registration at the 52 Oxford Street Garage
Not a member? Join today!
Childcare (spaces are limited)
While you attend the workshop, your child can enjoy hands-on activities and gallery explorations led by museum educators.
Ages 3-12.
Please note that children registered for childcare must be able to use a restroom independently
Price: $15 per child