The “Rice-Breaker” for the Foreign Language Class
This lesson is inspired by the “rice-breaker” that Dr. Amber Spry uses in her classes to promote debates about identity. My lesson plan builds on and integrates the “rice-breaker” into the foreign language class. The goal of this project is to promote a conversation about identity and cultural diversity among students and, later on, about the different culinary cultures of a number of Spanish-speaking countries.
Lesson Overview:
- Spanish but could be adapted to any language
- Intermediate (High)
- An entire class period
- Creative Tool: TasteAtlas and search engines like Google
- No costs involved
Lesson Plan:
Project Description:
This lesson is inspired by the “rice-breaker” that Dr. Amber Spry uses in her classes to promote debates about identity. As Dr. Spry points out, rice is a familiar ingredient across the globe. She ask her students “How does your family / your culture cook rice?”. My lesson plan builds on and integrates the “rice-breaker” into the foreign language class. The goal of this project is to promote a conversation about identity and cultural diversity among students and, later on, about the different culinary cultures of a number of Spanish-speaking countries.
As part of this project, students talk informally in the classroom about the culture and traditions associated with rice that are familiar to them. To the above-mentioned question we could add: Do you usually eat rice? As part of what meal? Does your family cooks rice or likes to eat it at a restaurant? Which would you say is the most important ingredient or staple food for the local culture?
Later on, students work collaboratively to research one tradicional or popular rice dish from a Spanish Speaking country and they give a presentational talk about it. Students are instructed to present the recipe for the dish and to discuss any findings about traditions or celebrations associated with those dishes, the history behind the name of the dish, to compare with similar dishes in other countries or their own culture, and any other relevant information.
As part of this activity, I offer students a list of dishes from different countries and resources for their research. Examples of dishes: Paella, Arroz congrí (o Moros con cristianos), Majadito, Bandeja paisa, Arroz con leche, Arroz con pollo, ect.
Students will work on the following ACTFL communication modes:
Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational
Students will work on the following language skills:
Reading, listening, and speaking
COPYRIGHT & CREDIT
Sahai Couso Díaz
Vanderbilt University
Special credits: This project is inspired by the ice-breaker that Dr. Amber Spry, a Professor of African American Studies and Politics at Brandeis University, uses in her classes to promote debates about identity.