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.

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 from 9:30 a.m-10:15 a.m.
October 3, (skip 10), 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14

Instructors: Maria Battista Hancock & Laura De Luccio
$70.00 for Casa members (Casa members may register a second child for $60.00)
$80.00 for non-members
Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge

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 authentic Italian school textbooks. This engaging program focuses on Italian language, traditional children's music, and games. The Scuola will also include hands-on learning activities, watching video clips, role playing, and projects. Students will be required to bring a 2" binder; all other class supplies and snacks will be provided.

Level I:
Ages 4 to 7

8 Saturday sessions, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
October 3, (skip 10), 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14 (skip 21, 28)
December 5, 12

Instuctors: Elisabetta D'Amanda and Irene Forgensi Hammons
$145.00 for Casa members (Casa members may register a second child for $100.00)
$155.00 for non-members
(Textbook will also be provided with an additional fee.)
Casa Italiana LeChase Loung

Level II Beginner:
Ages 8 to 11. Course is designed for students of this age group who are taking Scuola Italiana Level II for the first time. Course begins with Chapter 1 of Raccontami II.

8 Saturday sessions, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
October 3, (skip 10), 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14 (skip 21, 28)
Dec 5, 12

Instructor: TBA
$145.00 for Casa members (Casa members may register a second child for $100.00)
$155.00 for non-members
(Textbook Raccontami II will also be provided with an additional fee of $39.00)
Arts Center, Room 71

Level II Intermediate/Advanced:
Ages 8 to 11. Course is designed for students who are continuing to take Scuola Italiana Level II. Course will pick up with Chapter 6 of Raccontami II.

8 Saturday sessions, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
October 3, 10, (skip 17), 24, 31
November 7, 14 (skip 21, 28)
December 5, 12

Instructor: Allison Beebe
$145.00 for Casa members (Casa members may register a second child for $100.00)
$155.00 for non-members
(Textbook Raccontami II will also be provided with an additional fee of $39.00)
Casa Italiana Classroom

Casa Italiana's Italian Language & Culture Camp 2010

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 12-16, 2010
Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge

Session II:
Ages seven through ten
July 19-23, 2010
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.

Interested in Casa Italiana's Children's Programs? Print and fill out the registration form and mail it to us at the Casa.