From classroom to cocina: Aviano MHS students cook up culture

AVIANO, Italy – It has become a cherished tradition that on the day of the AP Spanish exam, students celebrate their accomplishment — after nearly four hours of testing — with a well-earned plate of paella. An essential part of this tradition is that students in the intermediate classes take on the responsibility of cooking this iconic dish from scratch for their AP peers.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026 the hallways of Aviano were filled with the unmistakable aroma of an authentic Spanish home. Students in Spanish 3 and 4 followed instructions entirely in Spanish to prepare this world-famous dish. 

To ensure everyone participated, tasks were assigned at random: each student selected a card that told them what their role would be. They were involved in every step of the process — chopping, seasoning, cooking — and yes, even cleaning.

For some, it was a day of firsts. One student encountered squid for the very first time; another discovered the fine art of deveining shrimp. 

And, in what may have been the most surprising revelation of the day, we learned that one student had never washed dishes at home. (Consider that a lesson learned!)

This immersive, real-world experience aligned with standards such as FL3a and FL2b, among others. 

Students explored the origins of this cultural dish and its significance in Spanish society, all while engaging in conversations about family connections. 

Along the way, they also debunked a common myth: authentic Spanish paella does not include chorizo — despite what many online recipes might claim!

In addition to learning cooking-related vocabulary, students sharpened their language skills in creative ways. 

While the rice simmered, they worked collaboratively to sequence the steps of the recipe and transformed verbs from the infinitive into commands. 

After enjoying the final product, students reflected on the experience, comparing and contrasting the preparation and cultural meaning of paella with dishes from their own families and communities. In doing so, they touched on key themes of the AP program — often without even realizing it.

This lesson seamlessly blended culture, language, and real-world application, fostering deep thinking, advanced language skills, and meaningful connections. 

Or, as we say in Spanish: “Barriga llena, corazón contento.” (Full belly, happy heart.)