Books, stories, and the imagination at "the nursery rhyme": A qualitative case study of a preschool learning environment in Pistoia, Italy

The progressive educational systems of some regions of Italy are becoming increasingly recognized by educators and researchers seeking insight into diverse educational approaches from the international community. This article represents a case study of Filastrocca ("Nursery Rhyme"), a preschool in the Tuscan city of Pistoia. Filastrocca proclaims a special mission related to books, storytelling, and the imagination and appears to offer a unique environment that supports children's active and enthusiastic engagement in complex literacy discussions and activities. This article provides a detailed description of the learning environment for language and literacy at the preschool, presents an analysis of issues/themes, and offers assertions and reflections. There is an emphasis on exploring what kinds of opportunities related to books, storytelling, and the imagination support and encourage young children and their families, and in examining how the learning environment reflects the mission of the school in fostering early childhood language and literacy.