Art Teacher Builds Confidence and Inspires Creative Expression in Students
Ahead of Assumption’s Oratorical Festival
San Leandro, CA – In recognition of Catholic Schools Week starting on January 31, Assumption School art students are getting ready to show off their creative expression skills at the school’s annual oratorical festival. The oratorical festival each year encourages students to practice and use their effective communication skills in this community forum among friends and family. Effective communication is a core element woven into the school’s curriculum, which has served to benefit kids far beyond their Assumption school years. Showcased in this event will be poetry, monologues and speeches performed by students from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Students of Karen Barbera, Assumption School’s art teacher for 4th through 8th grades, have been studying fine arts and performing arts in preparation of the oratorical fest. Mrs. Barbera has worked hard to create a safe space virtually for students to express themselves and build their interest in the arts. In the Fall, her students studied a new artist each week while putting their own personal and creative touch on iconic and historical artwork. Today, her students are honing their vocal and improvisation skills, along with learning about stage presence. Some of her students will be displaying their newfound skills at next week’s oratorical festival.
“A big focus of the art program for the middle and junior high kids has been to help them learn things about themselves and their abilities that they didn’t expect. The oratorical festival will now give them a platform and an opportunity to creatively express themselves with the larger school community. I am so proud of my students for displaying courage, resiliency, and open-mindedness throughout this entire school year” says Mrs. Barbera.
When asked what has been hard about teaching art through distance learning, Mrs. Barbera said that it requires special time and attention to develop new ways to keep kids engaged and focused, but knowing that she can make a difference in their lives has been well worth the challenges brought on during the pandemic.
About Assumption School
Assumption School is a private Catholic school with a track record of 60 years of academic excellence located in San Leandro. Open to students from Transitional Kindergarten to 8th Grade, the school offers a diverse portfolio of programs including academics, faith and community-based, and sports and recreation. The school’s mission is to make every student feel safe, nurtured, respected, and treasured, while excelling in academics and modeling Christ. Learn more and apply at www.assumption-sl.org