'Aaay!' It's the Fonz! 

Henry Winkler visits Swindon with First News, the national newspaper for children

  

It was a case of Wednesday being a happy day today! As Henry Winkler aka 'The Fonz' visited Red Oaks Primary school in North Swindon.

 

The actor was in Swindon as part of the My Way campaign, which raises awareness of the fact that one in five children experience learning challenges throughout their formative years. 

  

 

Using Henry’s extensive personal experience the tour will aim to dispel the stigma and myths that these children are in some way less intelligent than those able to learn in the ‘traditional’ way. 

 

On the tour Henry will be introducing British children to his Hank Zipzer stories, which are published by Walker Books in the UK. They focus on a 10- year-old boy with dyslexia and are based on his own past experiences.

 

“School was unbelievably hard for me. Teachers didn’t know what dyslexia was at that time. So I was labelled a trouble maker," commented Henry.

 

"I was the class clown. I got a bad grade in everything but lunch. I was great at lunch!

 

“I was told I was stupid, lazy and not living up to my potential most of my life. And, when you’re younger and you’re told that, you believe it. It’s part of your self image. “Just because we learn differently, that does not mean that we are not incredibly smart human beings. That’s something I need every child to understand.”

 

Despite Henry’s dyslexia he has gone on to become a bestselling author of children’s novels in addition to his success in acting and directing.

 

Henry Winkler Picture Gallery