Second grade students in Spanish class led by Señora Yuli Giraldo P'34 at the Junior School recently explored Argentine culture through a hands-on project that brought language learning to life. In partnership with the Latin American Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh, visiting university students introduced the cartonera movement, an artistic initiative rooted in Argentina that uses recycled materials to create handmade books.

Working alongside their older peers, students designed and built their own cartonera-style books using cardboard, applying both cultural knowledge and emerging Spanish language skills. The project connected directly to their current work in writing short stories, allowing students to move from idea to creation as they developed and assembled their own books.

Through the experience, students engaged with a new cultural perspective while experimenting with the creative process—combining writing, design, and storytelling in a tangible way. Moments like this reflect how Shady Side Academy connects classroom learning to meaningful experiences, helping students see both their work and the world more fully.