Middle School Spanish Students Foster Culture, Connections, and Cooking

Middle School Accelerated Spanish students delved into the rich culinary traditions of Spanish-speaking cultures by interviewing ICS staff members who hail from these countries. Students met with faculty and staff members, including Sra. Griselda, Sra. Uribe, Sra. Vazquez, Sr. Esteban, Sra. Berkowitz and others to ask about their favorite dishes, the cultural significance behind them, and step-by-step instructions for preparing them. All interviews were conducted entirely in Spanish.

The projects didn’t stop there! Armed with this newfound knowledge, students crafted personalized recipes that not only captured the flavors of these dishes but also celebrated their cultural context. These recipes were compiled into a recipe book, which served as a heartfelt gift for the interviewees and a special Mother’s Day surprise for their own moms.

Beyond language proficiency, this project fostered a sense of belonging within our school community. By connecting with ICS staff members on a personal level, students gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the shared love of food. Through this culinary journey, they not only honed their speaking, listening, and writing skills but also built lasting connections.