Nebraska Educators Preview Peter H. Reynolds SEL Program
When Nebraska educators joined together July 17-19, 2023 for the Nebraska State Education Association -University 2023 summer conference, they were joined by Peter H. Reynolds and his team to share his powerful message on resiliency and bravery. His team included his sister, Jane Reynolds, from England, Deanna Braunlin from Wyoming, and Sara Smith from North Carolina, who all enjoyed seeing Nebraska!
Earlier in the year, NSEA President Jenni Benson visited Nebraska elementary schools reading Peter’s book Be You! for Read Aloud America and was amazed at the impact of the book with students.
Jane Reynolds, President, FableVision Learning with Jenni Benson, President, NSEA
Peter joined virtually from Paris projected on two enormous screens in the ballroom. He reminisced about the time he was at NETA (2004) when he was asked to step in as keynote speaker. He had an advance copy of the newly created animation of his book The Dot which he shared with the audience. So they were the first to see the animation before it was released.
Just as Nebraskan teachers were the first to see The Dot animated film back in 2004, this time they were the very first to see Connect & Thrive: Story-Powered Circles, launching this week. Developed in conjunction with Partnerships in Education Resilience (PEAR), this new program provides off the shelf activities to use with elementary students in morning meetings or circles, using 4 of the books by Peter H. Reynolds to strengthen the students' sense of belonging.
This time Peter read his book Say Something and shared his inspirational story of being invited to think differently about math by his 7th grade math teacher, which opened his eyes to a career in animation. He emphasized that we often do not know the impact we make on students, even life changing impacts.
Following the keynote, Peter’s team delivered 3 sessions, each one with a different way to use storytelling to make a difference in student lives. Teachers who attended received copies of Peter’s books as well as the chance to use FableVision Learning programs for the next academic year. These included:
Start with a Story - storytelling, journaling, SEL and STEM cross-curricular activities linked to Peter’s books
The North Star Classroom - help students discover their potential and map their personal journey using Peter’s first book The North Star
Connect & Thrive: Story-Powered Circles - strengthen students’ sense of belonging within elementary school using Peter’s books, lessons and activities in morning circles
The FableVision Learning team enjoyed meeting the amazing teachers of Nebraska. We hope to soon be in a city near you!
