“Pinocchio” uses a communicative approach to language learning based on our many years of experience teaching the Italian language and culture using contemporary pedagogical techniques.

Pinocchio addresses the “Five C’s” of foreign language learning, as set forth in the Standard for Foreign Language Learning: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. This approach offers the student and the teacher a straightforward, efficient, flexible, and streamlined format which has proven extremely effective with students in diverse instructional settings.

The story, “Le avventure di Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi (1826-1890), on which this textbook “Pinocchio” is based, is a universally known archetype in the western literary canon. It offers a familiar, albeit singular, literary and cultural experience for students.

The story of Pinocchio embraces the universal human experience in its sophisticated exploration of, among others, the timeless themes of love, trust, friendship, disobedience, rebellion, redemption, loyalty and personal growth. As such, “Pinocchio” offers the student a unique opportunity to use the efficient, multilevel format of this textbook to learn and review the Italian language.

“Pinocchio” gives students their first opportunity to read through to completion an original Italian classic text while strengthening fundamental language skills with exercises and oral activities. The content-based approach to foreign-language teaching of the book, together with the pairing of text with grammatical exercises and language activities, makes “Pinocchio” a unique contribution to currently published Italian language texts.

“Pinocchio” can be used both inside and outside of class: Students can use the text independently, in pairs, or in small groups during language study. A separate answer key allows students to correct their own work.