Classes A and B in the nursery, along with Reception Classes A and B, comprise children aged between 3 and 5 years. These children exhibit a lively enthusiasm, yet they demonstrate considerable attentiveness and a willingness to engage in learning activities.
At this developmental stage, it is well recognised that children learn primarily through play. Consequently, the introduction of the Italian language and culture has been intricately woven into playful activities, repetition exercises, and engaging songs—examples include “Papa Dito” and “Whiskey il ragnetto.” The incorporation of puppetry during storytelling sessions has proven effective in capturing their attention and enabling personal engagement with the material.
The curriculum has been designed to present various topics to the whole class; however, it has also been necessary to organise smaller groups on occasion to facilitate more focused learning experiences. Activities such as “Snap,” “Matching Pairs,” and interactive games (including platforms such as Wordwall Italian and Language Angels) have been employed for vocabulary reinforcement and repetition.
It is pertinent to note that the instruction of the Italian language and culture was introduced only this academic year at the school. As such, the topics covered have been presented progressively, ensuring that they are age-appropriate and aligned with the children's learning capabilities. The snack time during the day has additionally served as an excellent opportunity to practice specific vocabulary, including terms such as "thank you," "please," and the names of various fruits.
Collaboration with classroom teachers has played a crucial role in seamlessly incorporating the Italian language into broader curricular activities. This teamwork has enhanced the learning experience for the children, enabling them to experience the Italian language within a well-rounded educational framework.
We look forward to continuing this enriching experience and furthering the children's understanding of Italian language and culture in a manner that is both enjoyable and educational.