Charter Students Teach The Arts

HERON STUDENT POINTS TO RYTHMS ON THE BOARD.

BY SARAH RUTHERFORD, NCS INTERN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas Charter seniors kept busy this past fall semester teaching art classes – they volunteered at elementary schools throughout the Sacramento area where arts programs have been subject to budget cuts.

These ambitious students hoped to inspire youngsters to explore their own artistic talents. Senior Megan McDonald volunteered at Regency Park Elementary where she taught her art form, acting, to a 5th grade class.

“It was important that they saw the arts – arts are involved in everything,” said McDonald.

A typical lesson included acting exercises, memorization, and warm-ups. For example, McDonald asked students to act out a scenario using different emotions. Students worked in pairs and performed in front of the class to build public acting skills.

REGENCY PARK STUDENTS WORK ON A SCENE.

The class ended with a performance in December during which students performed skits in front of the school about dealing with bullies and bully behavior.

“Her attention to detail, excitement, and on-target message resonated perfectly with the work we have been doing at our school on this same topic,” principal Michael Reed said.

Our students benefited greatly from this experience and we would welcome more students if they come with the same enthusiasm and attention to providing a meaningful experience for our students. -PRINCIPAL REED

Christina Aguilar, a senior vocalist student, taught music theory and expression for 3rd graders at Heron School. Her lessons covered rhythm, counts, how to count off, and other fun activities to help students understand what they were taught.

Students showed classmates what they learned through clapping rhythms together.

“Schools should have a requirement for art classes and that is why I am teaching the lessons,” Aguilar said.

At Gibson Elementary in Woodland, senior Xenia Perry wanted to teach students positive qualities of the African American culture through art. Perry is an actress, dancer, and singer.

Students at Gibson learned different dance forms such as ballet and modern from Perry. These dance moves – such as “the step” – were influenced by African American dancers who introduced new movements into American dance.
 

STUDENT LEARN JUMP ROPE A GAME WITH AFRICAN ROOTS.

Perry also worked on visual art pieces with the 3rd graders who drew images of inspirational African Americans like Michael Jackson and Louis Armstrong.

“The lessons were both informative and engaging for students,” principal Scott Clary said. “They were a good supplement for our academic program in the areas of social studies and art.”

Natomas Charter seniors Gomez, Perry, McDonald, and Aguilar agreed their volunteering experiences were worthwhile – even suggesting they might pursue careers in teaching.

GIBSON DRAW INSPIRATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICANS.