Kids Language Classes

Cultivating Language Through Play-Based Instruction

So fun they won’t even know they are learning.

Whether your goal is to help your children speak with grandma, become a proficient reader and writer, or you have plans to attend an Italian school one day, I can help.

As your instructor, I bring my 15+ years of teaching experience in higher education and as a private tutor for both children and adults and my academic background in language acquisition to the table to create a rich and engaging learning environment for my youngest students.

Designed for children’s and families’ needs.

Teaching littles is a rewarding experience that requires a deep understanding of how developing minds acquire language as well as the magical skillset of keeping them engaged! Not only that, I understand the realities of family life and try my best to accommodate your needs by offering drop-in rates.

Pronti? Via!

Kids Lessons

Duration: 1 hour
Location: East side of Providence (Contact me for details)

Play-based learning environment

Adaptive learning to suit the group’s needs

Rich and engaging activities

Italian for Toddlers

This 6-week session provides a fun introduction to the Italian language and culture. Expect songs, games and crafts!

SATURDAYS, 9:30-10:30 am.
JUNE 21-AUGUST 2 (NO CLASS ON JULY 12).

$150/one child; $100/for each subsequent sibling.

All materials are included with your class fees.

I WANT TO JOIN!

Bilingual Literacy Class

This class is for Italian-speaking children aged 5-10 who are learning to read and write in Italian.

Tuesdays, 4-5 pm.

Next session starting in January, 2025.

All materials are included with your class fees.

I WANT TO LEARN MORE

Italian for K-1

This 12-week class session is for Italian-learning kids aged 5 and 6.

Thursdays, 4-5 pm. January 23 through April 24 (no class Feb. 20 and March 27).

Cost: $350.00

All materials are included with your class fees.

SIGN ME UP!

Kids Lessons

Duration: 1 hour
Location: East side of Providence (Contact me for details)

Play-based learning environment

Adaptive learning to suit the group’s needs

Rich and engaging activities

Italian for Toddlers

This 6-week session provides a fun introduction to the Italian language and culture. Expect songs, games and crafts!

SATURDAYS, 9:30-10:30 am.
JUNE 21-AUGUST 2 (NO CLASS ON JULY 12).

Cost: $150/one child; $100 for each subsequent sibling.

All materials are included with your class fees.

I WANT TO JOIN!

Bilingual Literacy Class

This class is for Italian-speaking children aged 5-10 who are learning to read and write in Italian, in addition to English.

NEXT UPCOMING SESSION: JANUARY 2025.

TUESDAYS, 4-5 pm.

All materials are included with your class fees.

I want to learn more

Italian for K-1

This class is for Italian-learning kids aged 5-6.

JAN. 23-APRIL 24, 2025

THURSDAYS, 4-5 pm.

Cost: $350.00

All materials are included with your class fees.

SIGN ME UP!
“Anna Aresi possesses the rare combination of being exceptionally skilled with language and wonderful with kids. During the lead-up to a 6-month family trip to Italy, Anna worked with our two children, ages 5 and 6, on introductory conversational and written Italian. The kids had so much fun playing games that they never realized how much they were learning. And Anna's kind, gentle manner is positively delightful. We can't recommend her highly enough.”
Amy M.Rhode Island
“Anna is a superb teacher for early language development among toddlers and young children. We, my child included, have thoroughly enjoyed her Italian language classes.”
Bianca M.Rhode Island
“Miss Anna was amazing. My daughter started applying what she learned after just one class. She is engaging and patient with the children. We will be taking another class if offered. Bravo!”
Chontelle R.Rhode Island

I’m your instructor, Anna Aresi.

Here’s an in-depth look at my qualifications.
Education
  • BA in Classics, University of Padua (focus: history of the Italian language, translation studies). Erasmus program in Vienna.
  • MA in Italian Literature and Philology, University of Padua (focus: history of the Italian language, translation studies). Study abroad at UC Berkeley.
  • PhD in Italian studies, Brown University (focus: reception and translation studies, second language acquisition)
  • Davis School of Russian, Middlebury College
Additional Pedagogical Training
  • The Bilingual Brain, University of Houston/Coursera
  • Understanding Child Development, Utrecht University/Coursera
  • Overcoming Dyslexia, Yale University/Coursera
  • Courses on Children’s Literature, at  Scaffale Basso, Teste Fiorite, and Radice-Labirinto
  • Translating for Children and Young Adults, Langue et Parole (Milan)
  • The Children’s Publishing Market, Langue et Parole (Milan)
Other relevant experience
  • I write Parlo anch’io!, a popular substack newsletter (in Italian) about Italian-speaking and Italian-learning children in multilingual contexts
  • From 2021 to 2023 I wrote a monthly column (in Italian) on children’s literature in translation for the popular children’s literature website Scaffale Basso
  • I interviewed children’s publisher Claudia Bedrick about the English translation of beloved Italian author Gianni Rodari.

Qualities of an Effective Foreign Language Learning Environment for Kids

  • An instructor with a deep understanding of the language, language acquisition, and pedagogy (the art and science of teaching!)
  • An instructor with a passion and enthusiasm for language and culture.
  • The use of a variety of resources and materials.
  • The ability to foster a welcoming environment that encourages participation.
  • The ability to cultivate a personalized learning environment for different learning styles.
  • The ability to reinforce learning by building connections with other disciplines.

FAQ

Kids’ language classes are located on the east side of Providence and change depending on the class. I prefer to keep the location private, but please reach out for specific details you might need for planning purposes.
Class fees include all the materials we’ll use throughout the course, in both paper and digital form as needed.

If you miss a class, you will still receive the materials that were covered in the class. If something is unclear, we will go over it again in the next class.

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