Pre-K to Grade 8 Parents Explore the Power of Multilingualism

The Lower School Parent Coffee on multilingualism brought together families to explore how language development connects to critical thinking, curiosity, and well-being. The Multilingual Learning faculty guided participants through See–Think–Wonder, a Harvard Project Zero thinking routine that encourages children to describe, reflect, and ask questions in any language they speak. The faculty presenters emphasized the importance of encouraging students to engage in more in-depth discussions in any language, which helps build the kind of critical thinking that transfers across all languages. The focus they shared is not on memorizing vocabulary, but on inspiring children to think, wonder, and express curiosity. 

Throughout the session, parents learned about translanguaging, the natural process of drawing upon multiple languages to make meaning. The faculty highlighted how students’ ability to move between Mandarin, English, and their home languages strengthens comprehension and builds confidence. “Mixing languages doesn’t confuse children,” one Multilingual Learning Specialist noted. “It actually helps them draw on everything they know, to understand complex ideas and build confidence.” 

The conversation also touched on the importance of balance and rest in language learning. Using the metaphor of a sponge, presenters reminded parents that more instruction is not always better. “Just like a sponge, your child’s brain can only absorb so much in a day,” said one speaker. “Rest and balance are key to learning.” 

Families shared personal stories about their own multilingual households, connecting the discussion to daily life. One parent reflected, “In Thailand, my cousins’ kids use Thai, Mandarin, and English all the time. They switch between languages very smoothly.” Another added, “There are different expectations. Do we want our kids to be scholars in the language, or proficient for real life and work?” For many, this sparked valuable reflection on what language success looks like for their children. 

Parents also appreciated the opportunity to learn more about TAS’s approach to language education. “I try to attend a lot of parent events to understand what the school provides and how we can support at home,” one participant shared. 

The session concluded with practical takeaways that parents could immediately use at home, including bilingual bookmarks and conversation prompts from WIDA, an internationally recognized organization based at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. WIDA provides research-based standards and resources that help educators and families support multilingual learners. These tools reflect TAS’s shared goal of helping children grow as confident, curious communicators in every language they use. Families left with renewed confidence and concrete strategies to encourage curiosity, connection, and balance in their children’s language learning both in and beyond the classroom.