Jen Hernandez works with students to tell stories through illustration, writing, discussion, and physical embodiment. With comics as a medium, students will investigate and practice story structure, character development, observation-based illustration, embodiment through theatre games, and dialog with peers.

Through large and small group discussion, writing and collaboration, students will create and explore fiction and/or nonfiction stories through narrative structure to understand what instigates events, creates tension, and how outcomes affect the characters of the stories. Students will also tap into empathetic learning by embodying character experiences through movement and theatre; responding to class-generated prompts, students will act out their experiences of characters and observe similarities and differences between students' individual interpretations. Students will also develop character backstories including motivations, fears, goals and relationships through writing and expressive illustration. Linework practice will inform students' expressive illustration.

Students will use writing and illustration to reflect on their stories, document their thinking and share their stories with each other and others outside the classroom. Students will also reflect on each others' work using group presentation and critique methods that center on the agency of the student and value their lived experience.

This residency includes physical movement, discussion and collaboration, as well as observation practice for students to explore stories they create about themselves, imagined characters, or historical social and scientific events. Engaging anti-racist and anti-colonial educational practices, this residency focuses on student embodiment and reflection to practice empathy for characters and peers.