Bring an ITALIAN Experience to your School
Italian Language & Culture Incursions with puppets
Mrs Ciaociao and her puppet friends bring the joy, warmth and magic of Italy to Sydney through authentic Italian cultural incursion.
Designed for early learners and aligned with EYLF outcomes, my play-based sessions use puppets, storytelling, songs, games and interactive learning to make Italian language and culture fun, engaging and memorable.
Italian Language & Culture Incursions with puppets
Mrs Ciaociao and her puppet friends bring the joy, warmth and magic of Italy to Sydney through authentic Italian cultural incursion.
Designed for early learners and aligned with EYLF outcomes, my play-based sessions use puppets, storytelling, songs, games and interactive learning to make Italian language and culture fun, engaging and memorable.
Who is Mrs Ciaociao
Ciao! I’m Mrs Ciaociao!
I am Claudia Trombetta, a professional educator born and raised in Florence, Tuscany, and now happily sharing my Italian roots with children in Sydney. With over 15 years of experience working with children, I created Mrs Ciaociao to combine three things I love: children, Italy and storytelling!
Together with my puppet friends, I bring Italian culture to life through funny stories, music, traditions and fascinating true tales about Italy’s cities and the people who shaped its history.
And every lesson begins with a little bit of magic! I put on my magic hat and bring along my magic suitcase, packed with wonderful surprises, special objects and treasures from Italy that help bring each story to life.
As an educator and a mum, I’ve learned that children are wonderfully curious about the real world — especially when it comes with a little imagination and lots of fun!
So come and say CIAO!
Let’s open the magic suitcase and discover Italy together!
“ With Mrs CiaoCiao and her puppets, every new word becomes a window into art, history and culture, inspiring children to be curious, open-minded and amazed by the world around them.”
Claudia Trombetta
Brain Boost
Learning a second language enhances cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and memory.
Cultural Curiosity and Connections
Early exposure to Italian nurtures a love for languages and an appreciation of global cultures.
Natural Fluency
Young children absorb language effortlessly, making it easier to achieve native-like pronunciation and comprehension.
Future Advantage
Developing multilingualism opens doors and builds confidence for future learning.
Mrs Ciaociao incursions
The program includes a 30-minute interactive show, with the option to add an additional 30-minutes arts & crafts activity inspired by the theme of the show.
The incursion features a 45-minute interactive program, designed to engage and entertain students through an educational and fun experience.
The program includes a 30-minute interactive show, with the option to add an additional 30-minutes arts & crafts activity inspired by the theme of the show.
My Teaching Programs
The incursions are suitable for children aged 6 months to 10 years.
Each programme will be introduced by Mrs Ciaociao to the children according to their age and their level of understanding and comprehension.
Ciao Italia
My first Italian adventure (numbers, colours & animals)
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
Building foundational Italian vocabulary through play-based learning and repetition
LEARNING GOALS
- Learning basic Italian numbers (1-10).
- Identify colours in Italian.
- Recognise common Italian animals.
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- The lesson will be centred on introducing children to the colours of the Italian flag (green, white, and red), familiarising them with common animals associated with Italy, and developing early numeracy skills by learning to count using fingers in Italian.
- The approach will be play-based and developmentally appropriate, supporting early language acquisition through repetition, visual cues, and multisensory experiences. Children will be encouraged to actively participate by observing, imitating, and responding through movement and interaction.
- To enhance memory retention and engagement, a variety of teaching strategies and resources will be used, including songs, rhymes, and storytelling to reinforce rhythm and pronunciation; flashcards and visual aids to support word recognition; and real objects to create concrete associations between language and meaning. This combination aims to foster curiosity, build confidence, and create a positive and stimulating early learning environment.
Antonio Vivaldi
and “The Four Seasons”
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
The pedagogical focus is on a play-based multisensory approach that supports early learning through music, movement, and exploration. It aims to foster curiosity, language development, and sensory awareness by engaging children with themes of seasons through the works of Antonio Vivaldi.
LEARNING GOALS
- Recognize and name the four seasons and understand basic differences.
- Understand, in simple terms, that the Earth moves around the Sun and this causes the seasons.
- Children will respond to music by Antonio Vivaldi, associating sounds, emotions, and images with the four seasons in The Four Seasons.
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- This lesson will introduce children to the concept of the four seasons through the music of Antonio Vivaldi, a famous Italian composer and violinist from Venice. He lived over 300 years ago and he loved music and nature. His most famous work, “The Four Seasons”, brings the sounds of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter to life.
- Children will explore the names of the seasons and observe how they change in both Italy and Australia, helping them understand similarities and differences in climate and environment. The lesson will also include a simple, age-appropriate scientific explanation of how the Earth moves around the Sun, introducing the basic idea that this movement causes seasons. Concepts will be explained using clear language, visual aids, and movement to support understanding.
- Through listening activities, children will explore the colours, sounds, and feelings of each season as expressed in Vivaldi’s music. They will be encouraged to connect what they hear with natural elements (e.g., birds in spring, storms in summer), colours, and sensory experiences.
- The learning experience will be supported by a range of engaging, play-based strategies, including music, storytelling, movement, and visual materials. This integrated approach aims to develop early scientific awareness, cultural appreciation, and expressive skills in a fun and meaningful way.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
through Emotions
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
The pedagogical approach is rooted in emotional education and storytelling as a learning tool. The project promotes a child-centred, play-based methodology that encourages active participation, imagination, and empathy. Through narrative exploration, children are supported in developing emotional awareness, self-expression, and social understanding. The story of Pinocchio serves as a safe and engaging framework for learning the Italian names of the emotions.
LEARNING GOALS
- Children will recognize and name basic emotions in Italian
- Children will develop empathy by identifying and discussing the emotions of characters in The Adventures of Pinocchio
- Children will begin to express their own emotions using Italian words, gestures and creative activities in a supportive learning environment.
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- This educational and language project is inspired by The Adventure of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi and uses the story as a tool to help children explore, recognise, and express emotions in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. Through selected episodes of the story, children will be guided to identify feelings and pride, connecting them to characters’ experiences and their own daily life. The characters of the story will be represented by the puppets, which will give vitality and cheerfulness to the lesson.
- In this lesson, children will also have the opportunity to learn the names of different parts of the body in Italian through the wooden puppet Pinocchio, supported by an engaging and interactive song.
Leonardo Da Vinci
The Curious Boy
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
The pedagogical approach is based on curiosity-driven and inquiry-based learning. The project encourages children to explore, ask questions, and develop an early understanding of how imagination and observation can lead to discovery and invention. Through storytelling, visual material, and creative activities, children are supported in developing critical thinking, creativity, and an appreciation for historical figures who have contributed to modern life.
LEARNING GOALS
- Children will become familiar with the story of Leonardo Da Vinci as a curious child and creative inventor.
- Children will understand, in simple terms, that imagination and curiosity can lead to important inventions that improve our lives (e.g., aeroplanes, bicycles…).
- Children will develop early creative thinking skills by exploring ideas, asking questions, and expressing their own inventions through drawing and play.
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- This educational project introduces children to the life and work of Leonardo Da Vinci, focusing on his curiosity, imagination, and inventions. Through simplified storytelling, children will discover how Leonardo was a very curious child who loved observing the world, asking questions, and drawing his ideas. His creativity and talent led him to design many inventions that were ahead of his time, some of which inspired modern innovations such as airplanes and bicycles.
- With the story of Leonardo da Vinci, children will be introduced to new Italian vocabulary in a natural and meaningful context, supporting early language acquisition through storytelling, repetition, and visual association.
Count Seduceschi
…and the story of Gelato.
A Journey Through Food and Health
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
The pedagogical approach is play-based, narrative-driven, and culturally enriched. Learning takes place through storytelling, imagination, and interactive activities that allow children to connect language with real-life experiences. The story of Count Seduceschi provides a meaningful context for exploring values such a generosity, wellbeing, and sharing. Multisensory resources (visuals, tasting activities, songs, and games) support engagement, language acquisition, and emotional connection to learning.
LEARNING GOALS
- Children will acquire basic Italian vocabulary related to fruits, ice cream flavours, and food.
- Children will develop early awareness of healthy and less healthy foods through simple and guided discussion about food and health.
- Children will engage with Italian language and culture through the story of Count Seduceschi, strengthening listening skills, imagination, and participation in storytelling activities.
- Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- This language and culture education project introduces children to Italian culture through the real story of Count Seduceschi, a kind and wealthy nobleman who dedicated his life to helping children by creating first a milk factory and then an ice cream factory where joy, sharing and wellbeing are at the centre. With this narrative, children are introduced to Italian language, food culture, and early concepts of nutrition.
- The project also explores basic ideas of healthy food choices, helping children understand, in simple and age-appropriate terms, that some foods are good for our bodies when eaten often, while others are best enjoyed occasionally. Special attention is given to fruits and ice cream flavours, supporting vocabulary development in Italian through sensory and playful learning experiences.
My Italian Family Adventure
Discovering Italian traditions and Family Culture
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
The project is based on a play-based, child-centred approach that uses puppetry and storytelling to support early language development and social understanding. Puppets provide a safe and engaging way for children to explore relationships, communication, and emotions. Through repetition, visual cues, and interactive dialogue, children are encouraged to participate actively, develop confidence, and build connections between language and everyday experiences.
LEARNING GOALS
- Children will learn and recognise the names of family members in Italian.
- Children will develop communication skills by interacting with puppets through simple questions, responses, and role-play.
- Children will build social awareness by exploring family relationships and expressing their own experiences in a supportive environment.
- Children will discover some of Italy’s most cherished folk traditions and celebrations, exploring how they are celebrated and passed down through families.
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- The family project introduces children to the concept of family through engaging storytelling and the use of puppets.
- “The Puppet Family” follows a group of characters representing different family members, helping children recognize and name family roles in Italian. Through interactive storytelling, role-play, and songs, children will connect language to familiar relationships in their own lives, creating a meaningful and relatable learning experience.
The Carnival of Venice
Arlecchino and his friends.
A story of friendship and sharing.
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
The pedagogical approach is play-based and rooted in imaginative learning, using storytelling, costumes, and role-play to support emotional, social, and language development. The project promotes inclusion and self-expression, encouraging children to explore identity in a safe and creative environment. Children will learn about friendship, sharing and empathy while engaging with cultural content.
LEARNING GOALS
- Children will become familiar with elements of Italian culture, including the Carnival of Venice, Venice, and the character of Arlecchino.
- Children will explore and express their identity through imaginative play, answering simple questions such as “ Who am I?” and “Who would I like to be?”
- Children will develop social and emotional skills by engaging in activities focused on friendship, inclusion, cooperation, and shared creative experiences.
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- This project introduces children to the magic of the Carnival of Venice through the story of Arlecchino and his friends. Children will explore a simplified version of Arlecchino’s story, discovering themes of friendship, diversity, and inclusion.
- The project also includes a brief, age-appropriate introduction to the city of Venice, its canals, and its famous carnival traditions. With storytelling and imaginative play, children will reflect on identity by exploring questions, using costumes, masks, and creative expression in Italian.
The Journey of Marco Polo
discovering the Five Senses
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
This project is based on a play-based and experimental approach, where children learn through exploration and sensory experiences.
Inspired by Marco Polo, children develop curiosity, imagination, and confidence while discovering the world through their five senses.
LEARNING GOALS
- Sensory Development: explore and recognize sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
- Language Development: learn basic Italian vocabulary.
- Cultural Awareness: develop an early appreciation of Italian culture.
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- In this engaging project inspired to Marco Polo (an Italian explorer and merchant from Venice, born in 1254), children are invited to embark on a magical journey around the world. Through the use of puppets, the story of Marco Polo comes to life, guiding children across different lands, cultures, and experiences.
- The puppets narrate an exciting adventure filled with colours, sounds and flavours, helping children explore the five senses in a playful and meaningful way. As the journey unfolds, children discover the richness and diversity of people and cultures around the world, just as Marco Polo did during his travels.
- This project also promotes Italian language and culture, introducing simple words and expressions while celebrating the idea of an Italian traveller discovering the beauty of diversity for the first time.
- With storytelling, imagination, and sensory exploration, children develop curiosity, openness and deeper understanding of the world around them.
The Suitcase of the Heart
A story about immigration and changes
PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
This project explores themes of immigration, change and emotional resilience through storytelling. It supports children in understanding the feelings connected to leaving, adapting and finding a sense of belonging, while promoting Italian cultural awareness and language exposure.
LEARNING GOALS
- Children will explore feelings related to change, separation, and new beginnings.
- Children will understand and respect different life experiences and cultural backgrounds.
- Children will be exposed to simple Italian words, expressions, and cultural elements through storytelling and activities.
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
HOW THE LESSON WORKS
- Through the story “The suitcase of the heart”, children will explore the journey of leaving something familiar and finding something new.
- As part of the Italian language and cultural experience, storytelling will include simple Italian words and expressions.
- I will read my book (I am the author of this bilingual book) using an old suitcase full of magic objects that represent the story, creating an interactive experience that actively engages the children. The project will also involve group discussions where the children can talk about their family and experiences.
- Children will be encouraged to reflect on what they would carry in their own “ suitcase of the heart”, helping them connect personally with themes of identity, change and belonging.
Did you know I wrote a BOOK for children?
In February 2026, my first children’s book was published.
I wrote this book from the heart, inspired by my experience as an educator and a mother. I have learned that children are naturally curious and hungry for stories that are real, meaningful, and connected to life.
This is a bilingual book, written in both Italian and English, created to celebrate language, culture, family, and the special connection between generations.
The book tells the true story of a young girl who immigrated to Australia from Italy almost 80 years ago. Her journey took place in another time, but the emotions of leaving home, facing change, and searching for belonging never grow old. The little girl’s thoughts and feelings are also part of my own story, and that of my children, who arrived in Australia ten years ago. Through her journey, I wanted to explore the emotions that come with change, leaving one home behind, and discovering a new one.
This book was also born from a desire to connect generations — grandparents and children. I believe that the stories our grandparents carry with them are some of the most precious stories we can hear.
They hold memories, emotions, courage, and a piece of our family history. They are the stories that stay with us and live forever in our hearts.
My hope is that this book will bring children comfort and a sense of calm during the changes they may experience in their lives. Most importantly, I want to show them that having different cultures, traditions, and backgrounds is a gift.
Learning from what is different, embracing diversity, and discovering the beauty of multiculturalism can help us grow, connect, and understand one another.
This is a story about belonging, courage, family, memory, and the beautiful journey of finding your place in a new world.
Contact me
Interested in booking a program for your school, childcare centre, library or vacation care? Get in touch and let’s create a beautiful Italian experience together.