Take your preschooler to Italy for the day! Start your trip by reading about Italy with "Italy ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Italy" (Country Abcs) or " C is for Ciao: An Italy Alphabet". (Discover the World)
Locate Italy on your map or globe and discuss with your child how far away it is. Ask your child how they think you could get to Italy, and discuss the transportation options.

Take some time to read and discuss an Italian fairy tale, The Legend of Old Befana. Ask your child if he or she thinks La Befana is like any other fairy tale characters, and what their opinion is of her.

If your preschooler is inspired, introduce him or her to the Italian language. Learning a second language is easier for younger children, as they are open to new experiences. The dvd "Italian for Kids: Learn Italian Beginner Level 1 Vol. 1" is an excellent starting point to acquaint you child with the sound of the language, along with the visual cues.

Cook up some cultural fun with the recipe for Tortoni. Be sure to make plenty with your preschooler as it is a guranteed tasty treat. The mixing and preperation for this Italian dessert is easy and something that all preschoolers can enjoy cooking up!


Tortoni

Makes 8-10 Servings

Ingredients Needed:

5 almond macaroon cookies (Packaged cookies are fine)
3/4 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 quart of vanilla ice cream, softened

Directions:

1. Place the macaroons in a ziplock bag. Close the bag and crush the cookies into small pieces. Place the crumbled cookies into a large bowl and add the chocolate chips. Toss to combine the cookies and the chips.

2. In another bowl, whip the cream until it is thick. Add the vanilla, and continue whipping until the cream begins to form soft peaks.

3. Pour the whipped cream into the bowl with the cookie crumbs and chips. Slowly stir to combine all of the ingredients.

4. Using a hand mixer, whip the ice cream until it becomes soft. Pour the softened ice cream into the bowl with the cream, cookie crumbs and chips. Mix all of the ingredients carefully until they are combined.

5. Spoon the mixture into individual cups or muffin tins (you can line them with paper but it may stick). Place the cups into the freezer for at least an hour.

Enjoy your Italian Dessert!

Here are the books and materials as mentioned above, as well as a few toys with an Italian flair. Ciao!