New York University, Steinhardt

³Ò¾±²µ±ô¾±²¹²Ô²¹ÌýMelziÌýis Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Psychology and affiliated Faculty at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University.Ìý³Ò¾±²µ±ô¾±²¹²Ô²¹â€™sÌýwork focuses on the intersection of cultural and linguistic practices and their relation to Latino children’s early development and learning. In one line of work, she has examined various discourse and linguistic features in the narrative and book reading conversations of Spanish-speaking mother-child dyads from diverse socio-economic groups. In another line of work, she has developed and validated a measure of family engagement for Spanish and English-speaking Pan-LatineÌýfamilies of preschoolers, examining both the within-group variability as well as its relation to child developmental outcomes. In her latest work, funded by the Brooke Astor and Brady foundations, Gigliana has developed and is assessing the efficacy of a storytelling classroom program that capitalizes onÌýLatineÌýfamilies’ cultural funds of knowledge to support preschoolers reading readiness. Most recently, through her work on the DREME network funded by theÌýHeising-Simons Foundation, she is examining everyday home practices and strategies used byÌýLatineÌýfamilies to support early math learning.ÌýÌý
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Favorite children’s book:ÌýLaÌýabejaÌýdeÌý³¾Ã¡²õÌý(The extra bee)Ìýby Andrés Pi Andreu.
“It’s a beautifully illustrated book about citizenship, immigration, and belonging. I love it because it examines immigration in a child-friendly manner and has a positive message about solidarity and compassion. The book was a family favorite a few years ago and my daughter would request it every night; it brings such good memories.â€�Ìý