About us
This Meetup is for listeners of the podcast 'Impariamo l’italiano piano piano' and for learners of Italian who want to study the language through real conversations, stories, and explanations from the podcast, We Learn Italian Step by Step.
Based between Italy and Canada. Events are online. In these online meetups, we work through selected podcast episodes together. Each meeting focuses on:
• Language you heard in the episode
• Grammar points explained in context
• Expressions and phrases that are easy to miss when listening alone
• Time to ask questions and practice understanding and use
These are guided classes, calm, supportive, and paced piano piano. The goal is not perfection, but clarity and confidence.
Classes are suitable for learners who already have some basic Italian and want to deepen their understanding through listening, discussion, and structured guidance. English is used when helpful, especially for explanations.
For the most part, meetings are held online and are based directly on podcast content, so listening to the episode beforehand is highly recommended.
Upcoming events
1
- Network event
Italian Gerundio Workshop: Episodes 24–29 Part 2
·OnlineOnline2 attendees from 2 groupsIn this guided online session, we’ll work through Episodes 24–29 of the podcast Impariamo l’italiano piano piano, continuing our exploration of one of the richest and most expressive structures in Italian: the gerundio.
These meetup sessions follow the grammar topics explored in the podcast through the ongoing story Le Pagine del Passato, where grammar is introduced gradually through real situations, conversations, and mystery-filled scenes from the story.
This session is best suited to learners who have some familiarity with Italian grammar and have been following along with the podcast
In these episodes, the gerundio becomes fuller and more expressive,
Together, we’ll explore:
• how pronouns attach to the gerundio
• the difference between stare + gerundio and the gerundio standing alone
• combined pronouns like mostrandogliela and spiegandoglielo
• reflexive forms like preparandosi and svegliandosi
• the difference between se lo and glielo, and how the action changes direction
• reciprocal verbs like ci vediamo and si salutano
• reflexive and reciprocal verbs in the imperfetto
• the compound gerundio with avendo and essendo
• when Italians naturally use the gerundio in everyday speech
• and when Italian usually avoids it altogether
We’ll also connect these grammar structures to scenes and vocabulary from Chapter 3 of Le Pagine del Passato, including the mysterious library, hidden clues, inscriptions, and the growing connection between Mariella, Zina, Luca, and Sara.
The session is structured but relaxed. We’ll pause often for questions and observations as we work through the examples together and connect the grammar to real Italian usage.
What to do before the meetup (optional)
If possible, listen to Episodes 24–29 of the podcast beforehand.
Many participants enjoy listening first and then using the meetup to practice, clarify, and notice patterns more deeply.
Episodes 24–29:
• Pronouns with the Gerundio
• Combined Pronouns with the Gerundio
• Reflexive and Reciprocal Verbs
• Se lo vs. Glielo
• The Compound Gerundio
• The Gerundio in Everyday Italian
What to bring:
Just yourself, curiosity, and your questions.
A notebook is optional, but not required.
If you are a show supporter, you may wish to download the study guide that accompanies these episodes and follow along with the exercises during the meetup. Supporters will find the guide on Substack.
Language
Both Italian and English will be used.
Explanations are in English, with Italian examples throughout.
This is not an exam-prep class and not a lecture. It’s a calm, supportive space where we slow down, notice patterns, and make Italian make sense piano piano.
Ci vediamo!
Myra
Past events
2
