Cracking the Code: Dr. Brianna Yamasaki Reveals the Secrets of Reading in Different Languages

More Than a Test

In this episode, we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Brianna Yamasaki, an expert in the field of bilingualism and literacy. Dr. Yamasaki shares insights into the challenges and advantages of bilingual education, focusing on the importance of understanding language abilities in young children.

Dr. Yamasaki's work highlights the disparities within the US education system when it comes to supporting multilingualism. With a diverse classroom of students, some raised in monolingual English environments and others from bilingual homes or schools, she delves into the complexities of ensuring equitable education for all. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply curious about the complexities of bilingualism and literacy, this episode is packed with valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives.

Timestamps

[00:01:33] Linguistic diversity is important for understanding language development.

[00:04:22] Bilingualism and executive functioning advantages are discussed.

[00:08:29] Challenges in the written form of communication across languages.

[00:13:17] Language diversity in schools, and valuable information for teachers.

[00:16:44] Spanish-English bilinguals can rely on executive functioning.

[00:18:19] Research is often limited to English and Spanish due to a constrain on resources.

[00:23:11] Children have limited tools in the classroom, which impacts their desire for creativity.

[00:26:26] Fascination with bilingual research and its impact on diversity.

[00:29:28] Atlanta has similarities to Western Washington but is different politically.

[00:35:05] Bilingualism and multiple dialects: challenges and opportunities.

[00:39:56] Disproportionate representation in special education categories.

[00:42:10] Exposing kids to the joy and importance of reading.

[00:47:20] Being a scientist means discovering and sharing.

Connect with Dr. Brianna Yamasaki

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/byamasaki

Website: https://www.emory.edu/

----

About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

----

Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

----

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD