Assistant Centre Director,
Infancy & Early Childhood Research
Centre for Research in Child Development,
OER Centre for Research in Child Development
National Institute of Education
Profile
Dr He Sun is a Senior Education Research Scientist at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Her primary research interests include:
- Child heritage language maintenance and eBook reading
- Individual differences in early bilingualism/second/foreign language acquisition
- Harmonious bilingual experience
Her work has garnered media attention, being featured in publications such as the Straits Times and CNA. Additionally, she serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Child Language.
Synopsis
In this session, I will dive into the Harmonious Bilingual Experience Framework, which looks at how parents' bilingual skills and perception towards bilingualism impact their child’s social and emotional development. We will also explore how a child using two languages, having a reading-friendly home, and being proficient at both languages affects their own wellbeing. I will share insights from families in Singapore and the strategies they adopt in raising bilingual children.
Takeaways for Young Parents:
Your Attitude and Language Use Matter: How you feel about and use both languages can shape your child's social and emotional growth.
Create a Reading-Friendly Home: Surround your child with books and literacy activities in both languages to boost their reading interest.
Embrace Bilingualism Early: Start early to help your child become proficient in both languages.