Life as a Bilingual: a Conversation with Francois Grosjean

On September 23, I spoke with Professor François Grosjean, world-renowned psycholinguist and specialist on bilingualism at Albertine Bookstore in New York.

The conversation provided insight on bilingualism, the importance of speaking two languages as well as the advantages and disadvantages that come along. Parents and teachers had the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts on the subject after the conversation.

Continue reading “Life as a Bilingual: a Conversation with Francois Grosjean”

First Bilingual Education Fair of New York

French Morning launched the first Bilingual Education Fair of New York in partnership with Hunter College, The French American Foundation and the French Embassy on October 11, 2014.

Bilingual education is booming! More and more parents understand the benefits of a bilingual education for their children. More and more options are now available all over the city, in both private and public education. The Bilingual Education Fair of NY was the premier event for all interested in this movement that’s changing the face of so many schools in the city and the country. Continue reading “First Bilingual Education Fair of New York”

[video] Conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century”

How do you identify yourself? Are you American? French? Mexican? Latino? African? Haitian? Canadian? Quebecois? As the world becomes increasingly integrated and interconnected, cultural identity has taken on new meaning and importance. The ability to understand our own culture and the cultural heritage of others is essential for our shared humanity. It is also a powerful asset in a world that is increasingly more interconnected and competitive.

On Saturday, April 12, we examined these topics at the Lycée Français de New York with leading educators, policy makers, entrepreneurs and practitioners from around the world. The conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century” explored cultural identity and diversity, and how best to prepare our students for success in the future. You can watch the video of the different panels below. Continue reading “ Conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century””

2014 Dual Language Teaching Scholars

The first French-English dual language program began in Brooklyn in 2007 with some very smart and committed parents, an extremely supportive principal, and an exceptional teacher. The dual language programs (DLP) are founded on an innovative pedagogy which offers students a rare and dynamic hybrid way to learn! The programs serve French-speaking and non-French speaking students in the same classroom and foster multicultural understanding and intellectual curiosity. As of September 2014, we will grow to serve over 1,300 students throughout New York City, in 10 schools from pre-K to 7th grade. But there is work to be done as there are 22,000 French speaking children in the city. Today we have more than 50 teachers but simply put, we need more.

Finding talented and qualified teachers is difficult. But it is the key to our success. Supporting teacher training and growth will have a direct impact on the expansion of the French-English dual language programs in New York.

The French Embassy and French-American Cultural Exchange have partnered with the Societe des Professeurs Francais et Francophone d’Amerique to offer an annual scholarship to future bilingual teachers. Continue reading “2014 Dual Language Teaching Scholars”

“Astoria Mom Looks to Start French Dual-Language Program in Queens” on DNA Info

The dual language program initiative in Astoria, Queens is featured in this article by DNAInfo New York. Local moms are trying to open a French dual language program in a public school in Astoria.

Families who want to get in touch with Diana Limongi, featured in the article,  can e-mail her at duallanguage.astoria@gmail.com.
Continue reading ““Astoria Mom Looks to Start French Dual-Language Program in Queens” on DNA Info”

[video] Conference “Living with Two languages: the Advantages of Being Bilingual”

What’s the best age to start and master a new language? Are bilingual students smarter? Does knowing two languages offer advantages in learning how to read, write and do math? Does being bilingual have an impact on our personal and emotional development? These themes, and many more, were addressed during the daylong conference, Living with Two Languages: the Advantages of Being Bilingual, at the Lycée Français de New York on Saturday, April 13. Experts from the United States, France and Canada, including renowned researchers, Ofelia García and Ellen Bialystok, author Karen Le Billon, and chef Eric Ripert, explored bilingualism from the perspectives of education, sociology, psychology and gastronomy. Continue reading “ Conference “Living with Two languages: the Advantages of Being Bilingual””