For nearly two decades, twin brothers and co-founders of Boston-based media/interactive development firm FableVision Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds have created and shared stories that have helped inspire learning, creativity, and courage to lead self-directed, meaningful life journeys. With books and films that have been celebrated around the globe, Peter landed the Association of American Publishers’ 2013 Visionary award for making such a "positive impact on the lives and endeavors of those throughout the learning resource community."
What makes the Reynolds' brand of storytelling so powerful? As American Psychologist Jerome Bruner (2002) explains, "metaphorically rich, morally instructive narratives teach us who we are and who we can become.” The brothers will share how the power of story can provide transformational change in students' (and teachers') lives - whether it is inspire self-directed learning (The North Star), courage needed for learning & self-expression (The Dot), resilience in the face of struggles (Ish), flexibility and growth mindset (Sky Color), embracing others with differences (The Blue Shoe, I’m Here), adaptive expertise, creativity and innovation (Going Places.) The brother’s talk will be interspersed with a sampling of their books and animated films, all of which can be brought into one's practice - often with enduring, life-changing results.
Key to the Reynolds mission, they will also encourage every participant and their students to discover and capture their own stories - and share them using a host of powerful new tools for creative self-expression and publishing. And most importantly, the Peter and Paul will challenge everyone to “make your mark matter!” Suddenly, we live in a world where we any student can create and broadcast self-created media from home and school. And, somewhat unnervingly, one can use 3D printers just as easily digitally fabricate a plastic gun as they can a simple machine or toys. Infinite choice & easy acquisition to creation/maker tools makes it all the more important to provide positive scaffolding. Attendees will be given the encouragement and support they need to provide the learners in their care with inspiration and guidance to use their creativity and human potential to move the world to a better place.
