First Hundred Words In Italian
100 First Words Series
on Goodreads (142)
What’s inside...
Encouraging young readers to develop their foreign language skills, 'First Hundred Words' is an Italian/English vocabulary book illustrated by Stephen Cartwright. It contains 100 everyday words accompanied by delightful scenes, labeled with Italian words and English translations. An online pronunciation guide is available, allowing readers to hear the words pronounced by a native Italian speaker at the Usborne Quicklinks website.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What new Italian word did you learn today, and what do you think it means?
Can you pick a word from the book and describe something around the house that relates to it?
How do you feel when you hear Italian words? Does any word sound funny or interesting?
Which word in the book would you use to describe your day and why?
If you could visit Italy, what Italian words from the book would you use the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect Italian words with familiar objects or experiences to enhance memory retention. Use expressive gestures or actions, common in Italian communication, to make learning fun and engaging. Praise their attempts to pronounce words, which boosts confidence and interest in learning a new language. Revisit the words learned frequently to ensure retention and understanding. Incorporate Italian words into daily conversations subtly to reinforce learning and show practical usage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Language Acquisition
Explanation: The book exposes children to one hundred Italian words connected to everyday objects, allowing relevant and associative learning.
Real-World Application: Children can use their knowledge of Italian words to communicate basic ideas, understand Italian culture, or even prepare for a family trip to Italy.
Example Lesson: Cognitive Development
Explanation: The learning of a new language, such as Italian, stimulates cognitive processes, enhancing memory and concentration.
Real-World Application: Improved cognitive skills can lead to better academic performance and problem-solving abilities in various school subjects.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Introducing Italian words through commonly used objects and scenarios, the book fosters an appreciation and understanding of another culture.
Real-World Application: Children can become more empathetic and curious about different ways of life, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Example Lesson: Visual Learning
Explanation: The book pairs Italian words with colorful illustrations, catering to visual learners and aiding in retention and recall of information.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in recognizing visual cues in their environment and enhances their observational skills.
Example Lesson: Language Structure Understanding
Explanation: By learning words within the context of simple phrases and sentences, children begin to grasp the structure of the Italian language.
Real-World Application: This foundational understanding can be a stepping stone to learning more complex language skills and other languages in the future.