Arpillera Project

The 9-10s Spanish curriculum takes a more in-depth look at the geography and people of South America. Traditional rhymes, songs, and games along with original songs created especially for our curriculum help students with language acquisition. Students explore various topics with projects on clothing, art, weather, holidays, and diversity through the lens of communities in South America. 9-10s end the year learning about the history of Chilean arpilleras (handmade quilts). Students then leave a piece of MCS history by sewing their very own 9-10s community arpillera as a means of addressing what they view as challenges to social justice. In the tradition of Chilean women who used their quilts to communicate politically sensitive messages, students sew squares depicting issues that they care about—peace, the environment, racism, and more.