Year 12s are Bringing Spanish to Life
Language Learning Through Tortilla EspaƱola
During a recent Spanish lesson, students stepped out of their classroom mindset and into the lively world of Spanish culture, by cooking their very own tortilla EspaƱola. What began as a language class quickly transformed into a hands-on cultural adventure, giving students the rare chance to blend vocabulary, teamwork and culinary discovery all in one spirited session.
Working in small groups, students rolled up their sleeves and took on different roles: chopping onions and potatoes, monitoring the pan and mastering the famously tricky flip of the tortilla. The kitchen buzzed with collaboration, laughter and the occasional gasp as teams navigated the cooking process together. This experience not only highlighted the value of teamwork but also showed students how communication and problem-solving naturally unfold in real-life situations.
A highlight for many was the teachersā use of Spanish-only instructions throughout the activity. Suddenly, vocabulary wasnāt just a list to memoriseāit was something to use, interpret and apply on the spot. Students found themselves listening keenly, connecting new phrases to actions and expanding their culinary and procedural vocabulary without even realising it. The immersive environment allowed language learning to happen organically and meaningfully.
By preparing a traditional Spanish dish, students gained an authentic glimpse into everyday Spanish life, helping them understand their language learning as part of a broader cultural journeyāa key element of the IB experience. And of course, the session ended on a delicious note: most students were proud of their final creations and thoroughly enjoyed tasting their tortilla EspaƱola together, strengthening a sense of community and shared achievement.
Overall, the activity proved to be both enriching and memorable, seamlessly supporting language development, cultural understanding, and collaborative skillsātruly a recipe for impactful learning.
Ā”QuĆ© experiencia tan deliciosa y educativa para todos!
