During the elementary school years, Burlington students are introduced to the Italian language and culture. The elementary Italian teachers have created a curriculum based upon the five strands of the state frameworks: communication, cultures, comparisons, connections, and communities.  Utilizing a wide variety of games, songs, toys and interactive activities allows the teachers to address the developmental needs of the children.   

   In the primary grades, the major focus is on spoken language.  The Italian teachers work on developing listening comprehension and oral language.  Children begin by learning to identify and repeat vocabulary pertaining to everyday activities.  They progress to using the words in simple sentences.  Teachers use toys, games songs and developmentally appropriate interactive experiences to reinforce material.  Primary grade students also learn to identify Italy on a map, recognize the flag and become familiar with some major landmarks.  Students in grades four and five continue to explore and expand vocabulary while learning to read and write simple sentences in Italian.  They also begin to read simple texts and respond in Italian to questions regarding the texts. The study of Italian culture continues with the units about famous cities in Italy and the contributions of notable Italian artists, inventors, musicians, historical figures, etc.  Throughout the elementary school years children learn a variety of songs and poems in Italian to help reinforce and enrich their foreign language experience.

Frameworks