At La Piazza di Carolina we offer a variety of classes. Descriptions of all of our classes are below.
See our current Classes Schedule for days and times and please be sure to read our Class Rates and Policies.
REGISTER FOR CLASSES ONLINE HERE
Classes for Children
I Più Piccoli – 6-13mo with adult
It is never too early to introduce your child to a new language. The earlier the better. At this age your baby is beginning to recognize sounds and understand phrases; they are beginning the first steps of language acquisition. Come and learn new ways to make friends, and nurture your baby’s sensory and natural brain development. Babies love the gentle bouncing, instrument and prop play, peek-a-boo games and tickling rhymes included in our specialized 45-minute class. Italian music accompanies our games and activities, keeping baby’s attention while encouraging social interaction, language development and awareness. The class is for children up to 13 months of age who are not yet walking.
I Primi Passi – 14-23mo with adult
Movement is a major component at this stage as the children discover their mobility. Props such as balls, bubbles, scarves, beanbags, and canopies develop fine & gross motor skills and extend the child’s movement vocabulary in Italian. Manipulatives such as letters and numbers are used in play as children recognize the connection to the words in Italian. The Italian songs become more familiar to the children as they begin to sing along to their favorite songs. As the year progresses movement games and the use of specially chosen vocabulary and phrases help toddlers to walk, play and internalize the language successfully.
Pronti a Correre, 2-3yrs with or without adult
Because they are learning to observe and follow the example of the teacher, the children now have a choice of being with their grownup or sitting as a group with their teacher. Repeating Italian words are encouraged to develop language, listening, and concentration skills. Twos are now developing a longer attention span and are able to follow directions from one activity to another – in Italian! Story time in Italian is introduced, as children love to look at picture books. Puppet and role-play are integrated with song and games, and musical instruments are added to increase enjoyment and help develop a sense of rhythm. Easy arts and crafts help reinforce the Italian being learned. Children will start to repeat songs and phrases at home.
Gli Indipendenti, 3-5yrs
Mommies and caregivers wait outside! At this age, most children are ready to increase their independence. We have a gentle approach to separation, and if the child is not ready, parents sit in the room as needed. Theme based instruction begins in this group. A topic may be chosen, i.e. “animali nella fattoria” (farm animals), and the lesson is structured around it. A story may be read, games played, songs sung, dances danced, and crafts made – all directed in Italian. Children are essentially learning what they normally learn at this age, but in Italian.
Scuola d’Infanzia, 5-6yrs
ItalianItalian for Kindergartners & 1st graders. The curriculum is a series of thematic units (i.e. numbers, letters, colors, seasons, weather, the calendar, etc.) based on a child’s cognitive development at this age. The use of manipulatives, visuals, song, play, and crafts continue to be utilized so that the teacher connects with the children, negotiating meaning from uncertainty. At times, homework is assigned.
2 & 3 Elementare
Italian for 2nd and 3rd graders. Thematic units are continued building on material from the previous semester. Instruction begins to make connections with other subjects such as science, social studies, mathematics, and language arts. All lessons support the principles of language acquisition. Homework may be assigned.
4– 5 Elementare
Italian for 4th to 5th graders. Curriculum makes more connections to other core subjects. Students begin to practice writing, and reading in Italian. Curriculum continues to build on previous semesters. Children are encouraged to use the language at all times. Homework may be assigned.
Scuola Media – Upon request
Italian for Middle Schoolers. Depending on the amount of Italian previously studied, students build on knowledge of the language and practice the four skills in language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Homework may be assigned.
Child Privates
$50/hr at the school, $60/hr in your home
Classes for Adults
Adult Beginner I
A 75 minute lesson, with a maximum of eight students, this class uses the text, Prego! 7th edition, available in our on-line store. Other materials are supplemented to enhance the course. English is allowed for the first three lessons, after which the course is conducted in Italian and the students are expected to stay in the target language. This full immersion method provides the best possible environment for acquiring a foreign language.
Adult Beginner II
A 75 minute lesson, with a maximum of eight students, this class uses the text, Prego! 7th edition, available in our on-line store. Other materials are supplemented to enhance the course. This course is a continuation of our Beginner I course. We continue to build on grammatical concepts concentrating on passato prossimo, futuro and imperfetto verb tenses. A communicative approach to teaching is utilized to get the student communicating while mastering the language. Supplemental materials such as CD’s DVD’s and cultural readings are used to enhance the learning experience. This course in conducted in Italian and the students are expected to stay in the target language. This full immersion method provides the best possible environment for acquiring a foreign language.
Adult Intermediate
A 75 minute lesson, with a maximum of eight students, this class uses text Prego! 7th edition. Other materials are supplemented to enhance the course. This course focuses on amplification of vocabulary, conversation, and advanced grammatical structures. The course is conducted entirely in Italian and students are expected to stay in the target language.
Adult Privates
these one-hour sessions are catered to the individual’s level and goals. Materials are selected after consulting with the student. $60/hr at the school, $75/hr in your home or office.
Travelers Italian
This 4 session course is geared towards those traveling to Italy in the near future. It teaches essential words and phrases for traveling, shopping, and eating in Italy. $150.
