Mask, Music & Magic!

Mrs. Krause’s class had an amazing cultural adventure this week as students dove into the exciting world of Carnivale with our wonderful Host Nation teacher, Mrs. DiBella!

Students didn’t just learn about Carnivale—they experienced it. Throughout the lesson, they discovered the fascinating history behind one of Italy’s most famous celebrations. They explored how the tradition began hundreds of years ago, why families across Italy look forward to this festive season, and how every city—from Venice to Viareggio—adds its own unique spin to the celebration.

One of the highlights for students was learning about the colorful masks that make Carnivale so special. Students examined different styles of traditional masks, talked about why Venetians started wearing them, and shared which designs they found the most interesting or mysterious. Many students said this was their favorite part because it connected art, history, and storytelling all in one activity.

As they explored music, costumes, parades, and festive foods, students were excited to make connections between what they’ve been studying in class and what they see happening around them in their host nation. The lesson was hands‑on, interactive, and filled with opportunities for students to ask questions, make observations, and relate what they learned to real-life Italian culture.

This experience truly brought social studies to life. It helped students deepen their understanding of the country they live in while also building appreciation for global traditions. Lessons like this show how powerful our Host Nation program can be—helping students feel connected, curious, and engaged with the world around them.

It was a fun, memorable day of learning that students won’t soon forget!