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Launched last 800 people turned out for the inaugural edition of French Morning’s Bilingual Education Fair. It’s back at Hunter College this Saturday, and with even more conferences, guest speakers and activities, you won’t want to miss it.
More than 80 schools, publishing houses, and other specialists representing 12 different languages have signed up to be a part of this language love-fest. They’ll present their knowledge and answer questions for those interested in bilingual education at any stage of life.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy conferences and presentations meant to inspire a dialogue with experts in bilingualism. You can see the full program below.
The Bilingual Fair is an event for the whole family with a ton of language-centered activities for kids with free babysitting for children over 2. (Younger kids can play, too, but need to be supervised by an adult.)
Bigger, better, more beautiful, but the goal of the fair remains the same: help you navigate the complicated pathways of getting a bilingual education, whether it’s choosing a school or a method to use at home. For even more tips, we’ve put together a Guide to Bilingual Education in New York, a great companion on your journey to multilingualism.
9:30AM- 10:15AM. Dual Language Programs: A Presentation by NYC Department of Education (Ircania Stylianou)
This workshop will focus on increasing parents’ understanding of the goals and benefits of Dual Language programs. Participants will learn about the different dual language program models in New York City.
10:15AM-11:15AM. Dual Language Programs: Parents & Community Power
A discussion on how parents and the community can help create and support bilingual education in public schools. Moderated by Fabrice Jaumont from the French Embassy.
10:15AM- 11:100AM. Understanding Early Language Acquisition
A pioneer in Early Language Acquisition, Francois Thibaut will explain how babies and toddlers can learn a “second language” thanks to a whole language approach employing both sides of the brain.
11:15AM-12:15PM. A Revolution: How Technology Is Changing Language Learning.
Digital technology is changing what it means to learn and know a language today. The internet and digital tools provides language learners access a range of programs and resources, facilitating not only the acquisition of grammatical rules but also access to authentic texts as well as more advanced speakers of the language.
11:15AM- 12:15PM. Italian: How Bilingual Education Can Reconnect Italian-Americans To Their Roots
The aim of the workshop is to help the families who are willing to enroll their children in an Italian Dual Language class and help them discover the great contribution given by Italian to the development of the western culture.
2:00PM – 2:45PM. The Brain, Visuals, Speech and making your child trilingual.
Linguist and author of QTalk, Maurice Hazan will demonstrate techniques to implement principles of semantic memory at home and in the classroom. Anyone who believes visuals can be useful to teach 1,2, or 3 languages will first hand experience Hazan’s method by learning Japanese in this short session.
2:00PM – 3:00 PM. Learning Difficulties and Bilingual Education: Twice exceptional students.
This workshop provides an overview of the learning difficulties in a bilingual education and the extraordinary outcomes and benefits that come along. Students are capable of achieving more and become twice as exceptional due to a diverse education.
2:45PM – 3:45PM. How To Support Dual Language In A Monolingual Home.
The panelists will share strategies with parents on ways that they can support, enrich and encourage their children’s second language acquisition. The basic progression of second language acquisition will be covered. In addition, parents will learn how music, board games, excursions, historical figures and learning about where the target language is spoken can expand family horizons and extend second language acquisition.
3:45PM – 4:30 PM. Navigating Cultures and Backgrounds: A Discussion on Intercultural Competence.
In a world marked by fluid borders, we more and more come across people from different backgrounds, cultures, creeds, and religions in our daily personal and professional lives. Sabine Levet and Shirley Velasquez will be discussing this topic and sharing their experience on why being « interculturally competent » is increasingly important.
