Thinking, Talking and Doing Math with Latine Families and Caregivers

Gigliana Melzi of New York University will present in the School of Education’s series

Join University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) for a colloquium with Gigliana Melzi, professor of applied psychology and affiliated faculty of Latinx Studies and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University, from 1:50 to 2:50 p.m. on May 6, 2026 in room 205 of Willard Hall Education Building.

Melzi’s research describes culturally- and linguistically-grounded family practices that support Latine children’s early literacy and STEM learning and how the educational system can use these practices to support children’s school-based learning. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, among others.

Melzi’s colloquium will explore the mathematical perspectives and practices of Latine families and home-based childcare providers. She will first examine how caregivers engage in “thinking, talking and doing” math, emphasizing the cultural assets present in everyday interactions. She will then show how these findings were used to develop a professional development program for home-based childcare providers, sharing preliminary results from a pilot study conducted in California. Melzi will highlight the successes and challenges of fostering early math learning in home and community settings.

The colloquium, part of a year-long series hosted by CEHD’s School of Education, is free and open to the public. Audience members are also welcome to participate in a discussion with the speaker following the colloquium.

To learn more, visit: https://www.education.udel.edu/colloquium-series/

Article by Jessica Henderson. Graphic by Shelly Silva.