This is a copy of the Article first published on the April Issue of the Italian American Community News
If you are like me, chances are that your children have a very busy schedule. Between school, homework, sports, boy/girl scout, religious, and other recreational/educational activities looks like that children (and their parents) are never home. My wife Rosalba and I feel like taxi drivers, with most of our time spent in dropping our children between these after school activities. I am sure most of you may relate to this.Therefore, the last thing that parents and children may think is about learning a second language. However, growing up with more than one language has its advantages in today's global village. Bilingual kids have the advantage of knowing two cultures, of being able to communicate with a wider variety of people, and of possible economic advantages in their future. Research has even shown improvements in critical thinking skills among bilingual individuals.This is the reason why becoming bilingual is a special gift parents can offer their children, and that is one of the (many) reasons why we started our school, “L’Italiano … Parlando”, which means “Italian …by Speaking”.
My name is Michele Fiorillo, and together with Piera Nisdeo, I started the school,“L’Italiano…Parlando”, two years ago. I was born and raised in Vibo Marina, a small village located in the southern region of Italy, Calabria. I moved to Rochester in November 1994. After graduating from High School, I went on to earn a degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Rome, Italy (“La Sapienza”), and a Master’s Degree of Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering from SUNY at Buffalo, NY in 2000. I have two little children, Giuseppe (age 6) and Isabella (age 3).
We started our school with the idea of spreading the knowledge and the appreciation of the Italian language and culture outside the boundaries of the academic institution, at a reasonable cost, in a pleasant, friendly, and fun atmosphere. Our first course was in Spencerport at the “Collichio School of Music” thanks to Mr. George Collichio who allowed us to use a room for our classes. Our first class consisted of five enthusiastic students. These students are still with us today, and have been joined by many more. Our last session, which ended on February 23, included more than 20 students. We are now part of the Italian Community Center, and our classes are held at that wonderful facility.
Our non-profit mission is to educate not only children of Italian immigrants and persons of Italian descent, but to also attract students of diverse ethnic backgrounds interested in learning about Italy, the Italian language,and culture. In a relaxed and spontaneous environment, the students can learn, have fun, and work hard at the same time: that’s why our motto is “Be cool be bilingual with L'Italiano ...Parlando". Our program is based on active learning, hands-on communicative and visual methods that will help to develop basic conversational Italian, and is aimed at learning Italian as used in everyday life. Our lessons take into account several aspects of the Italian language and culture with Italian conversation, group activities, Italian songs, and others. Our classes are small and informal, stimulating the learning process and communication, and giving an opportunity to the students during each lesson to use all four communication skills (listening, speaking, writing,and reading).
