Casa Belvedere Educational Experiences 

Students will have fun and build relationships through gameplay, while also developing an appreciation for the cultural heritage embedded in traditional Italian games.

 

• Discover the rich history of traditional Italian games, including Bocce, Tombola (Italian Bingo) and Scopa (Italian Card Game) enjoyed since Roman times.
• Engage in discussions about the origins and significance of these games, highlighting their cultural importance in Italy.
• Enhance fundamental math skills, hand-eye coordination, and promote the spirit of good sportsmanship through active participation in these games.
• Draw comparisons between the games played today and those enjoyed in ancient Italy, encouraging students to reflect on the continuity of traditional activities in modern times.
• Gain insights into the enduring nature of these games, still played in small Italian villages and possibly even in students' own homes.

Students will delve into the cultural significance of Italian dance, music, and arts and learn about their enduring legacy and global influence.

 

• Discover the history and dance steps of the traditional Italian Tarantella, known as "The Dance of the Spider." Dress comfortably and safely to fully participate in this lively folk dance.
• Explore the world of opera and its Italian roots, highlighting influential opera masters and divas from the golden age. Gain an understanding of the impact of Italian opera on both art and language within this renowned musical genre.
• Immerse in the rich traditions of Italian craftsmanship, encompassing mosaics, sculptures, paintings, and glass production. Discover the history and techniques passed down through generations, showcasing the diverse forms of Italian art.

Students will glimpse into the fascinating lives of the Roebling-Stirn families and their vibrant community, while also examining the architectural and horticultural aspects of the Roebling-Stirn Mansion and its grounds.

 

• Delve into the captivating history of the Roebling-Stirn Mansion, a home built by Louis A. Stirn, a silk merchant, and Laura Roebling-Stirn, granddaughter of famed Brooklyn Bridge builder John Roebling.
• Explore the various philanthropic cause and activities the Stirns were involved in, including the Women’s Suffrage movement.
• Learn about Laura Stirn's involvement in various groups, including the Garden Club of Staten Island, where her renowned collection of rare plants attracted visitors from near and far.
• Appreciate and evaluate the architectural styles employed in the mansion, such as the Italianate and neo-Renaissance styles, by exploring the materials and construction processes used in its creation.
• Investigate the diverse range of plants that may have thrived on the Stirn family estate during the early 1900s and in the present-day Nonno's Garden.
• Uncover the intricacies of maintaining the mansion's grounds and the daily responsibilities undertaken by maids, gardeners, and cooks in the past.

Students engage in hands-on gardening activities that foster an appreciation for biology and natural sciences, while gaining valuable insights into the journey of food production and the interconnectedness of plants and nutrition.

 

As a special takeaway, students may have the opportunity to bring home a small vegetable plant to nurture and grow.

 

• Experience a sensory-rich learning journey, "Italian Flavors from Garden to Table," which deepens understanding of the origins of food and the essential elements required for its production.
• Explore the significance of composting, cultivation, water management, and soil conservation in sustainable gardening practices.
• Discover the diverse components and wide variety of nutritious plants that contribute to a wholesome meal.

Students will learn culinary skills along with mathematical and scientific principles, fostering an understanding of food origins, sensory perception, and the joys of preparing a nourishing meal. 

 

Students will have the opportunity to enjoy and/or take home the delectable creations they've crafted themselves.

 

• Engage in a hands-on culinary experience where students measure, cook, and savor dishes made from vegetables harvested from Nonno's Garden and other ingredients specified by the instructor/chef.
• Explore the origins of food, techniques for storage, preparation, and preservation throughout history.
• Stimulate the five senses - touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing - while discovering the enchantment of crafting a wholesome meal.
• Foster discussions on the distinctions between different types of food, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

• Transportation: Buses should drop off and park at Casa Belvedere, with students disembarking in front of the building.
• General Fees: Range from $15 to $30 per child, depending on required materials. Minimum fee per class is $75 to $100, accommodating 5 to 30 children.
• Siblings of participating age must be included in the total group size.
• Special Education and Title 1 Schools: Entrance fee waived with proof of Title. Special Education classes limited to 15 children.
• Adult Chaperones: Required at a ratio of at least one per eight children. Chaperones are admitted free during the program.
• Payment: Accepted methods include check, money order, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. A non-refundable deposit of $50 must be mailed or charged four weeks in advance. Balance is due on the day of the program.
• Expert Programs: Begin at 11 am, are 90 minutes long, and tailored to meet grade-appropriate needs. Limited to 30 students per program.
• Late Arrivals: Please note that late groups may experience shortened programs. If arrival is delayed by 30 minutes or more, the program may be canceled.
• Cancellations/Postponements: Must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled trip. No refund for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.
• Conduct: Group leaders are responsible for student discipline. The Foundation reserves the right to dismiss any individuals or groups behaving inappropriately, without refund.
• Location: Casa Belvedere, Italian Cultural Foundation, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island NY 10301