Dr. Becky Huang (The Ohio State University)

Topic: Pathways to reading in young bilingual children: What language experience and oral language skills tell us

Given current migration trends, an increasing number of young children are learning to read in a second language while simultaneously developing proficiency in two oral languages. These bilingual experiences offer unique opportunities for reading development, but they also introduce complexities that differ from those faced by monolingual learners. In this talk, Dr. Huang will provide an overview of current research on reading development in young bilingual children, highlighting the contributions of oral language skills, such as metalinguistic awareness, vocabulary knowledge, and morphosyntax, and children’s language experiences across home and school contexts. The presentation will conclude with implications for educators and parents, along with recommendations for future research aimed at better supporting young bilingual learners’ reading development.