Raising Bilingual Children

Raising a bilingual child is a meaningful and rewarding journey that supports communication, cultural connection, and lifelong learning. This program, presented in partnership with the Portland Finnish School, offers parents and caregivers a thoughtful introduction to bilingualism, exploring what it is, the many forms it can take, and how children experience language development in real life. Participants will learn about different levels of bilingualism, the distinction between heritage and foreign languages, and why social connection sits at the heart of every language.

The session will give some ideas on practical guidance for families, including why early and consistent language exposure matters, how to support a minority language in daily routines, and what families can realistically expect along the way. Whether you are just beginning to consider bilingualism or are already on the path, this program provides encouragement, tools, and perspective for supporting your child’s bilingual journey.

About the Portland Finnish School:

The Portland Finnish School is a volunteer run language and culture school for children with Finnish heritage. Portland Finnish School is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Despite the name, Finnish School is not a replacement for your kid's regular school. Finnish School is an extra-curricular activity for the whole family. Many parents enroll their kids in Finnish School to help their kids learn or maintain their Finnish language skills and build a bridge to the Finnish culture.

Cost

General Admission: $25

Member Admission: $20