Fourth-Graders Create Original Creatures in Honors Workshop

On October 27, 2023, local fourth graders participated in a Halloween-themed workshop titled “Creature Crafting 101! Writing & Drawing” at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center. The event was part of the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program, which aims to support students with advanced interests and abilities. Participants engaged in crafting their own imaginative creatures through both writing and drawing.

Led by author Jason Edwards, the workshop encouraged creativity as students developed unique characters and storylines. According to Deborah Schoff, the Honors Program Coordinator, “He was both captivating and engaging, and students enjoyed his energy and theatrics.” Edwards guided the students through character development, helping them to weave distinctive traits and internal characteristics into their creations.

Creating Stories and Building Confidence

Students from various districts, including Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer, Little Falls, Owen D. Young, Poland, Richfield Springs, and West Canada Valley attended the workshop. They worked collaboratively to discuss settings and develop plots, ultimately resulting in original short stories and comics. “Many students were courageous and shared their work with the group,” Schoff noted.

In addition to their creative works, participants received a signed copy of Edwards’ book, “Will Allen and The Great Monster Detective,” along with a writing journal to further nurture their reading and writing skills. The workshop not only provided an opportunity for artistic expression but also helped foster confidence and collaboration among the young creators.

About the Herkimer BOCES Honors Program

The Herkimer BOCES Honors Program serves students in grades 3-12 across its component school districts. The program is designed to support individuals who demonstrate above-average interests and abilities in specific areas. By allowing interaction with like-minded peers, the program offers educational activities led by presenters who are recognized in their fields, covering diverse topics in the arts, sciences, literature, and history.

Ongoing evaluations by both teachers and students ensure that the programs remain relevant and of high quality. This approach not only enriches students’ learning experiences but also enables them to explore different learning styles and engage in meaningful educational activities.