Specialists

Italian: Italian at Home

Simple ways to help your child learn and enjoy Italian

Dear Parents,

Learning a second language is a wonderful opportunity for children. It develops communication skills, memory, confidence and cultural awareness. Most importantly, children learn best when language is fun, positive and part of everyday life.

You don't need to speak Italian fluently to help your child. A few minutes of Italian each day can make a difference!

■ FRIDGE-FRIENDLY ITALIAN ■

Ciao! Hello! / Bye!

Buongiorno! Good morning!

Come stai? How are you?

Sto bene, grazie! I'm well, thank you!

E tu? And you?

Per favore. Please.

Grazie! / Prego! Thank you! / You're welcome!

Andiamo! Let's go!

Bravissimo! / Bravissima! Very good!

ASK YOUR CHILD...

Italian	English		Possible answer
Come ti chiami?	What's your name?		Mi chiamo… – My name is…
Quanti anni hai?	How old are you?		Ho … anni. – I am … years old.
Che colore è?	What colour is it?		È rosso. – It's red.
Che cos'è?	What is it?		È un cane. – It's a dog.
Ti piace?	Do you like it?		Sì, mi piace! – Yes, I like it!
Che giorno è oggi?	What day is it today?		È lunedì. – It's Monday.
Che tempo fa?	What's the weather like?		Fa caldo. – It's hot.
■ MAKE IT FUN! • Count objects in Italian. • Name colours around the house. • Name foods at mealtimes. • Sing Italian songs together. • Play simple games using numbers or colours. • Ask your child to teach you five Italian words. • Put Italian labels on familiar objects. • Use one or two Italian phrases during daily routines.		■ USEFUL RESOURCES Duolingo – short, game-like Italian practice that can help build a regular learning habit. One World Italiano – free lessons, activities, exercises and beginner courses. RAI Scuola – Italian-language lessons and activities, including beginner A1 material. Tip: Choose short, age-appropriate activities and practise little and often.

❤ MOST IMPORTANTLY…

Encourage your child to have a go. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning another language. Praise their effort, participation and willingness to communicate rather than worrying about every mistake.

Even 5 minutes of Italian a day can help children build vocabulary, confidence and familiarity with the language. The goal is to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of languages.

Grazie mille for your continued support in helping your children become confident Italian language learners and develop an appreciation for Italian language and culture.

Un caro saluto,

Teresa Zaffina

Languages – Italian Teacher

Do you know anybody that comes from Italy?

Which Italian region are they from?

Can you find it on the map?