You’ve probably heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” At Stanley G. Falk School’s Cambridge campus, that’s especially true for Mr. Costello’s seventh graders.
Last week, their classroom was transformed into “Cafe Ratatouille,” a student-run restaurant that served up breakfast favorites and real-world skills. The annual project created by Mr. Costello gives students a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and stepping into the world of culinary work.
“Our students looked forward to running our cafe and are proud to enlist their abilities,” said Mr. Costello. “Operating Cafe Ratatouille allows students to apply practical skills to real-life scenarios.”
Before setting foot in the kitchen, each student interviewed with Principal Julie Pezzimenti, using the opportunity to sharpen their communication skills. Some even dressed to impress. Once hired, students joined Mr. Costello on a grocery run, carefully selecting the ingredients for the menu they designed.
Over the course of three days, the classroom transformed into a lively cafe with students rotating roles as servers, cooks and cashiers. The menu featured classics like pancakes, French toast, waffles and even build your own omelets. Each day brought a new group of up to three guests ranging from classmates to staff members and even families.
“Engaging with our school community is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this experience,” said Mr. Costello.
The experience went beyond the kitchen, giving students a chance to build essential skills in money management. “Students also practiced using money, finding total costs and returning change – all meaningful preparation for everyday experiences in the future,” Mr. Costello explained.
Cafe Ratatouille may have only been open a few days, but the experience left a lasting impression. It gave students a chance to try something new, work together and see what it was like to run a restaurant.
