For students in Italian II, learning the language recently extended beyond the classroom and into a real-world setting.
On Wednesday, June 3, students in Ms. Altomonte’s Italian II classes traveled to Caffè Roma, where they had the opportunity to practice speaking Italian while experiencing a traditional Italian breakfast culture firsthand.
The field trip was designed to help students understand that learning a language is about more than memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules—it’s also about communicating in everyday situations and gaining an appreciation for the culture behind the language.
At the café, students practiced ordering food and drinks entirely in Italian. Common phrases such as “Posso avere un cornetto, per favore?” (“Can I have a croissant, please?”), “Un cappuccino,” and “Un espresso” allowed students to use the language in an authentic setting while building confidence in their speaking abilities.
Students also learned about traditional Italian breakfast customs. Unlike the larger breakfasts often found in the United States, a typical Italian breakfast usually consists of a cappuccino and a cornetto, a pastry similar to a croissant. Experiencing these traditions firsthand helped students make meaningful connections between language and culture.
The trip was attended by Italian II students Artur Barreiros Chivalski, Kenny Bravo Ramirez, Max Travis David, Gianna Dunn, Amelia Gielarowiec, Elijah Gueye, Alice Kim, Natalia Krason, Rhylan Richard, Taeshaun Rowe, and Dylan Stigh.
Accompanying the students were Ms. Altomonte, Dr. Sforza, Mr. Bononno, Mr. Mai, and Ms. Siradze.
Field trips like this provide students with valuable opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom while gaining a deeper understanding of the traditions and customs of another culture. By stepping into an authentic Italian café environment, students were able to see how language learning can be both educational and enjoyable.
Through experiences like these, Becton’s world language programs continue to encourage students to become confident communicators and culturally aware global citizens.
