Spanish students at Beulah Elementary recently concluded their unit on Spanish-speaking countries with an immersive cultural celebration.
Going beyond flashcards and textbooks, students connected their language learning with hands-on activities that they truly enjoyed, Spanish teacher Karina Herrera said.
To review concepts such as flags, cuisine, nationality and customs (costumbres), students prepared authentic tortillas in class, transforming a lesson into a culinary adventure.
“A key component of the unit was fostering a safe learning environment where students felt motivated and empowered to use their Spanish,” Herrera said.
Students practiced conversational skills with native Spanish speakers from the community. This direct interaction built confidence and brought the language to life.
"My goal is to create a space where students enjoy the learning process," she said. "When they're motivated, they're more willing to take risks and speak. It's truly inspiring to see them embrace the opportunity to speak with others."
The unit culminated with a Cultural Fair, where each table represented a different country. From vibrant posters and national flags to samples of traditional snacks and presentations about local traditions, the activity solidified their learning.
The project connected language acquisition with an appreciation for the rich diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.