A preschool program in Long Island is celebrating Italian culture while providing a rich learning environment for children and their families. At the Per Tutti Language and Cultural Center, children are immersed in authentic Italian customs, exchanging typical playtime for engaging experiences. The center promotes a unique atmosphere where toddlers learn the language through enjoyable activities, encouraging parents to participate as well.
A community built on language and culture
Founded by Catrina Percontino, a dedicated mother and former educator, Per Tutti has become a popular choice for families from as far away as Queens and Cutchogue. “We aim to interact with the children primarily in Italian for about 90% of the day,” Catrina explained. She incorporates her experience teaching high school students Italian and Spanish into the preschool’s curriculum.
Cultivating cultural appreciation
At this vibrant facility, children engage with Italian traditions through hands-on activities. They cultivate a vegetable garden featuring basil and zucchini, enhancing their knowledge of Italian cuisine. The play areas are designed with imaginative spaces, including a mock pizzeria and gelateria, allowing children to creatively immerse themselves in the culture. A bocce court in the backyard has become a popular pastime, where toddlers enjoy games reminiscent of bowling.
“It’s fascinating to see how much they enjoy bocce; it’s like bowling for them,” said Catrina, who has developed a playful, child-friendly dough mixture for indoor activities, enabling kids to knead and shape their creations.
Interactive learning through traditions
Children recently celebrated La Befana, a cherished character in Italian folklore, by participating in lessons related to Festa del Tricolore, or Italian Flag Day. Their enthusiasm for the Italian language is evident as they count in Italian while enjoying the swings. Even the quieter children are encouraged to express themselves at home, introducing their parents to the language.
Expanding the learning experience for adults
Inspired by their children’s experiences, many parents have enrolled in evening classes offered by Per Tutti. Catrina remarked, “The adults often find themselves having just as much, if not more, fun than the kids.” Workshops focused on preparing traditional Italian dishes, such as fresh pasta and tiramisu, have garnered significant interest.
Motivated by a commitment to foster environments where children can flourish while embracing their Italian heritage, Catrina established Per Tutti. She identified a significant gap in Italian educational resources within the community. “When planning field trips, I often had to go all the way to Westchester,” she stated. Consequently, her backyard transformed into the foundation of this innovative program in the summer of.
Word-of-mouth success and community support
The center has rapidly gained traction, evolving from a backyard initiative into a thriving educational facility located across from St. James Elementary School. Through word of mouth and social media engagement, Per Tutti has attracted nearly 8,000 followers on Instagram, reflecting a growing interest in Italian language and culture.
Catrina’s dedication to the program is apparent. She acknowledges, “This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but equally rewarding.” On difficult days, the appreciation from parents reminds her of the significance of her mission, reaffirming her resolve to provide these enriching experiences.
Looking forward, Catrina has ambitious plans for the future of Per Tutti. With a supportive community behind her, she aims to expand the offerings and continue nurturing a passion for the Italian language and culture among both children and adults.
