Language and Cultural Enrichment Classes for Children

Scuola Italiana offers beginner to advanced Italian
immersion classes for children ages 3 to 12.

In today’s global economy it is of primary importance that our children are given the opportunity to learn multiple languages.
Being bilingual, or multilingual, will not only open doors to the future for our children at home and around the world, it will lead to enhanced cognitive skills, creative problem solving, and enthusiastic acceptance of diverse cultures and customs.

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages offers a library of research that documents these benefits and more.

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Registration is ongoing and welcome throughout the year!

While our class schedules follow the traditional school calendar, with a fall term and a winter/spring term, you are invited to enroll at any time. We will pro-rate your tuition and registration fees.

Our classes are small, averaging 4 to 6 students per teacher, and they are taught entirely in Italian. Children 3 to 12 years are grouped by age and ability. Teens and adults are grouped by ability.

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Cuccioli: 3 to 5 years old
Our youngest students explore new language through play, song and engaging projects. We keep things familiar and comfortable during class so that children gradually come to embrace the new language. Total Physical Response is used in the class as a means for language comprehension. Children are also encouraged to play and interact with one another in Italian.

The Total Physical Response method is based on research that shows learning occurs before a child actually begins to speak a language. Initially, children respond physically to the speech of the teacher and in turn, the children’s responses are positively reinforced by the speech of the teacher. The children are absorbing the language without being able to speak it. Over time, children are able to reproduce the language spontaneously. This method also promises double efficiency in terms of rate of learning, according to several published studies.

Piccoli: 6 to 8 years old
Our Piccoli students learn Italian by moving through thematic units together in class. New vocabulary and grammar is introduced through themes that are valuable to children ages 6 to 8 years-old, such as Family, Self Image, Home, Sports & Hobbies and Nature & Planet Earth. By using these practical topics as a vehicle for learning Italian, kids gain core language skills that are related to their own lives and that they are excited to use outside of the classroom setting!

Grandi: 9 to 12 years old
As our oldest group, Grandi students come into class equipped with the skills necessary for more structured learning. The class divides its time between working on syntax and grammar through reading and writing activities, and on applying those skills through different collaborative projects and activities. Knowledge is put to the test with games and puzzles that require a base comprehension of Italian. Additionally, students participate in discussions about the culture, history and youth of Italy.

After-School Program for Beginning/Intermediate
Scuola Italiana’s after-school program is designed for children ages 4- to 8-years-old. The program is very flexible and tailored to fit the age and skill level of the student. Students build their Italian language skills as they move through fun thematic units. New vocabulary and grammar is introduced in each of the themes that include: Family, Self Image, Home, Sports & Hobbies and Nature & Planet Earth. By using practical topics as a means for learning, kids gain core language skills and vocabulary that is relevant to their own lives and that they are excited to use outside of the classroom!

After-School Program for Advanced Italian Students
Speaking a language on a regular basis is not enough to be considered an expert. To acquire native-like proficiency, a student must understand and use his or her second language in every different context and situation. An expert not only speaks the language fluently, but also effectively reads and writes the language in real-life circumstances. The Advanced Italian Course is designed to maximize a student’s learning experience and guide them in becoming an expert in the Italian language.

Our curriculum includes three important elements for learning a second language:

1. Conversational skills: The class is taught 100% in Italian. Students use every moment in class fine-tuning their ability to listen, speak and comprehend the spoken language. Students work together in pairs or small groups as they engage in relevant and lively discussions.
2. Writing skills: In order to communicate effectively in written form, students utilize a variety of different writing styles and formats. These writing exercises are designed to develop full comprehension of grammar and spelling rules and to build a broad vocabulary.
3. Reading skills: Students read both short and long texts to develop a strong command of reading Italian. To ensure proper interpretation of the context and meaning of each text, students discuss their understanding of each piece during class.

Throughout this course, students work together in pairs and small groups as they participate in fluency-based activities such as language games, crossword puzzles and creative writing. It is through these various activities that students will gain the skills necessary to effectively communicate in a variety of real-life contexts and become “experts” in the Italian language.

For schedules, locations and tuition rates, download a class schedule from the list below.

 

Weekend Schedule

Sunday Time Sample Class Outlines
Beginning & Intermediate Cuccioli, 3 to 5 yrs 10:00am to 12:00pm Cuccioli #15 Outline
Beginning & Intermediate Piccoli, 6 to 8 yrs 12:30pm to 2:30pm Piccoli #17 Outline
Beginning & Intermediate Grandi, 9 to 12 yrs 3:00pm to 5:00pm Grandi #13 Outline

 

After School Schedule

Monday & Wednesday Time Location
Beginning/Interm, 4-8 yrs 3:45pm to 4:45pm The International School
Tuesday Time Location
Beginning, 7 to 10 yrs 3:30pm to 5:00pm Catlin Gabel School
Wednesday Time Location
Advanced, 7 to 12 yrs 3:45pm to 5:45pm Catlin Gabel School

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