Join us as we explore Italy with Around the World with Disney Movies. We will explore the culture, food, music and traditions of Italy with crafts and activities. This virtual field trip can be enjoyed on its own or paired with our Pinocchio movie night.
About Pinocchio
Pinocchio is set in a tiny Tuscan village of Collodi. Collodi is a part of the municipality of Pescia in the Tuscany region of central Italy. It is a medieval village first documented in the 12th century.
The Adventures of Pinocchio is a children’s novel written by Carlo Lorenzini, an author who spent his boyhood in Collodi and eventually took its name as his pen name. Pinocchio was a wooden puppet carved by a wood carver named Geppetto. He dreamed of becoming a real boy and had a tendency to lie which caused his nose to grow. The story first appeared in 1881 in “Children’s Magazine” and was later published as a book in 1883.
Pinocchio is a timeless classic and was animated by Walt Disney in 1940. It was the second animated feature film produced by Disney following the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). It became the first animated feature to win a competitive Academy Award for best original score and best original song, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” which happens to be my absolute favorite Disney song.
Fun Activities
Our family is in the process of traveling around the world through Disney movies. Pinocchio is our seventh stop! To see our other destinations click here.
We invite you to learn about the culture and geography of Italy through our Around the World with Disney Movies seriesBelow are some resources to help you experience Italy from the comfort of your home.
Music
Italy is home to incredible music traditions, composers, and performers. There are rich learning and listening opportunities for the whole family!
- Listen to great music by Italian Classical Music and learn more about each Italian composers and their music with Classics for Kids.
- Experience some Italian Folk Music
Art
Italy is also home to some great master artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Visit an art gallery, learn more about these masters, and enjoy art projects inspired by their style.
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Italy
- Learn about Michelangelo and try some Michelangelo Art Projects from Artsy Craftsy Mom
- Watch a video about Leonardo da Vinci and try some Leonardo da Vinci Art Projects from Artsy Crafty Mom
Hands-on Activities
- Create the Colosseum with chalk pastels with Nana from Your Are an Artist
- Draw the Leaning Tower of Pisa with Circle Line Art School
- Craft a Carnival Mask from Daisies and Pie
- Let’s Cook Italian: A Family Cookbook by Anna Prandoni
Italian Culture & Geography
- Go on a walking tour of a Collodi, Italy
- Take a Virtual Trip to Italy with Local Passport Family
- Visit the Vatican virtually
- Learn about the Colosseum with Free School
- Watch a video about the Leaning Tower of Pisa from Free School
Recommended Books
- C is for Ciao!: An Italian Alphabet by Elissa Grodin
- The Magical World of Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
- The Clown of God by Tomie dePaola
- I, Vivaldi by Janice Shefelman
- Leonardo and the Flying Boy by Lawrence Anholt
- Michelangelo by Diane Stanley
- Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei by Peter Sis
For more inspiration check out our
Pinterest boards.
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