This primary school is based on the idea that creation and construction are key in the pedagogical process, particularly at the primary level.
Students read Pinocchio in the original and in grade 4, make their own puppets and produce a puppet play of their own design, based on Collodi's story. I was fortunate enough to be living with Sicilians at this time in my life and there were many performers in the family so it was really fun. We used Domenico Modugno's Cavallo Bianco album as a soundtrack and rewrote the lyrics to some of the songs. (You probably know Modugno for the song Volare, one of the most covered songs ever.) Selling tickets as a fundraiser also helps to learn basic lemonade stand economics.
Gardening unit: students plant cherry trees, for master ciliegia, and pine trees for Pinocchio, and learn how to make a cherry fruit tart, and pine nut pasta.
