Children's Programs
The Casa offers programs to help children discover the joys of Italian language and culture and have fun at the same time. Classes are affordable and financial aid is available for qualified students. To register for courses or find out about our scholarship program, call the Casa Italiana at 585-389-2468, or fill out the mail-in registration form. To register for the Italian Language and Culture Camp, contact Casa Italiana at 585-389-2468.
Musica Maestro!
Birth through three years, with parent or other adult
Italian music activities are presented to multi-age groups of children because this fosters natural, family-style learning. The young students in this course learn to understand the meaning of words, simple phrases, and sentences. Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching, or exploring musical instruments.
6 Saturday sessions
February 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4
- Session 1 - 9:30-10:15 a.m.
- Session 2 - 10:30-11:15 a.m
Instructors: Maria Battista Hancock & Laura De Luccio
Location: Carroll Hall Art Trailer, Room A
$70 for Casa members; members can register additional children for $60 each.
$80 for non-members
La scuola italiana
Ages four to eleven
The Scuola offers age appropriate curriculum and activities. These classes will provide opportunities for beginners to advanced beginners using current Italian school textbooks, Raccontami I and Raccontami II. This exciting NEW program focuses on Italian language, traditional children's music, and games. The Scuola will include hands on learning activities, watching video clips, role playing, and projects. Class supplies and snacks will be provided.
Level I: ages four through seven
9 Saturday sessions
February 28*
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11, 18, 25
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Elisabetta D'Amanda and Irene Forgensi Hammons
Location: Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge
$145 for Casa members, members can register a second child for $100.
$155 for non-members
Textbook Raccontami I will be provided for an additional fee of $39.
*Carnevale celebration class included
Level II: ages eight through eleven
9 Saturday sessions
February 28*
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11, 18, 25
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Allison Beebe
Location: Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge
$145 for Casa members, members can register a second child for $100.
$155 for non-members
Textbook Raccontami II will be provided for an additional fee of $39.
*Carnevale celebration class included
Carnevale!
Register for a Carnevale celebration open to all children of the community 4-11 years old. Come and listen to the Story of Harlequin and learn how to make the Carnevale masks as you discover about this unique Italian tradition.
Saturday, February 28
10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
Instructors: Irene Hammons, Elisabetta D'Amanda, Allison Beebe
Location: Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge
$20.00 for Casa members (Casa members may register a second child for $15.00)
$ 25.00 for non-members
Casa Italiana's Italian Language & Culture Camp
Ages five to ten
The Casa Italiana's children's camp celebrated its 15th anniversary last July with record-breaking numbers. A total of 98 participants learned about the cultural heritage of Italy as they studied the language during week-long sessions. When they weren't practicing their language skills, the children enjoyed Italian cooking, games, history, and traditions.
The camp utilizes classic Montessori teaching methods. Led by Judi Mazziotti, a Montessori methods teacher, the young students are encouraged to explore their individual interests in order to cultivate their natural desire to learn.
Session I: ages five through seven
July 6-10
Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge
Session II: ages seven through ten
July 13-17
Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge
$145 for Casa members
$195 for
non-members
Members may pre-register during the month of March, on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited and members are encouraged to register early.
The Children's Camp is sponsored through the generous assistance of Italian Heritage Foundation of Rochester. Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance.