Virtual Author Visit Encourages Students to Use Their Superpowers
They started with the letter “A,” added one “U,” then another. With the addition of some straight and squiggly lines, the students had soon drawn their own wizard.
Through this simple illustration, author Peter H. Reynolds, who paid a virtual visit to Buchanan-Verplanck and Furnace Woods Elementary Schools on Monday morning, made a powerful statement to the children — that they already possess far more creativity than they realize.
“And I think we all have to use our superpowers to make the world a better place,” Reynolds said.
The visit, which was conducted through a virtual meeting and broadcast on SmartBoards in classrooms throughout both schools, gave the students insight into Reynolds’ journey to becoming a children’s author. After he introduced himself and led the drawing exercise, he read his book, “Say Something!,” then answered questions submitted and read by students.
Each student received a copy of the book. The gift and the visit were part of Hendrick Hudson’s One School, One Author initiative, which is sponsored by the Hen Hud Elementary PTA.
The students had a lot of questions for Reynolds. Why did he want to become an author? Who and what inspired him? Were his stories based on real-life events? Which book is his favorite?
In “Say Something,” Reynolds said he encourages his readers to tell the world who they are. That lesson reverberated throughout his virtual visit.
Reynolds urged the students to put on their “creativity goggles” and explore ways in which they could use simple ideas they are familiar with to build an interesting world. He pointed to the wizard drawing, which started with the letter “A” and soon became a character who had a name, a pet and lived in a city.
“What is his name? What is his friend’s name? What is this place?” he said. “There are so many things you can do in the world if you are brave enough to make your mark.”
Reynolds’ work will continue to be highlighted in our schools throughout the month of March as Hendrick Hudson’s One School, One Author celebration continues.
