What is Superhero Play?
Superhero play is a form of exploratory (pretend) play where children use their creativity and imagination to engage in and imitate action heroes or media characters they admire. (Exploring Early Childhood, 2009). Currently, superhero play has garnered a great deal of attention as it has become a topic of great interest and created some controversy among educators, child development experts and behaviorists who believe that there is a strong correlation between children who participate in it and the increase in incidences of violent, aggressive and disruptive behavior in children. Although some may argue that children who engage in Superhero play have more aggressive tendencies, I believe the benefits outweigh the deficits and will support it as an activity which will help children develop language, learn to socialize among their peers and understand and tolerate differences or barriers such as race, religion and socio-economic status-all factors which students must deal with at some point in their lives at school and in society..To this end, superhero play is a learning tool to help children develop and evolve and well functioning, compassionate individuals.
Does superhero play have a negative impact on children's play? Yes or No?
I disagree with the notion that superhero play has a negative impact on children's play. With so much attention these days on the importance of role play and incorporating more kinesthetic activities involving drama in education which emphasize the need for children to play more at school, and express themselves in creative ways, I think Superhero play is a positive way for young children to explore the world around them, think critically and encourage and foster their artistic and creative abilities. Moreover, identifying with action figures or those with superhuman abilities can give them a sense of empowerment and control which can improve self esteem issues and allow them to have fun while interacting in a learning environment.
Encouraging children to take risks that build confidence and character while teaching children that along with power, they must develop compassion and understand for others are constructive ways that Superhero play can benefit youngsters both in and out of the classrooms. (Shipley, 2008, p.214) But, much more than just having fun, Boyd, (1997), asserts that play of this type is a learning tool which helps children "learn about values, respect, and safety and living in a democratic social group."
Encouraging children to take risks that build confidence and character while teaching children that along with power, they must develop compassion and understand for others are constructive ways that Superhero play can benefit youngsters both in and out of the classrooms. (Shipley, 2008, p.214) But, much more than just having fun, Boyd, (1997), asserts that play of this type is a learning tool which helps children "learn about values, respect, and safety and living in a democratic social group."
How does superhero play benefit children?
According to Essa & Young, (2003), Superhero play benefits children by helping them experience positive emotions like "courage, strength, pride, glory and wisdom." (p.234) Further, children gain confidence in themselves and in doing so, are able to problem solve and cooperate much better wen placed in collaborative groups with other students. Imitating superheroes also helps them model appropriate behavior and strive to meet their goals. (p.235)
Essa & Young (2003) cite that Saltz, Dixon and Johnson (1977) conducted research on children who performed Superhero play actually improved the social, emotional and cognitive domains in children. Children who have participated in some form of superhero play are believed to use it as an outlet or vent to express their fears, anxieties and frustrations about difficulties they are experiencing. If children are able to express themselves in a safe environment, it helps them pose questions which could help them identify some of the issues that they (children) are too afraid to grapple with when they are growing up. (Essa & Young, 2003, p.235)
Essa & Young (2003) cite that Saltz, Dixon and Johnson (1977) conducted research on children who performed Superhero play actually improved the social, emotional and cognitive domains in children. Children who have participated in some form of superhero play are believed to use it as an outlet or vent to express their fears, anxieties and frustrations about difficulties they are experiencing. If children are able to express themselves in a safe environment, it helps them pose questions which could help them identify some of the issues that they (children) are too afraid to grapple with when they are growing up. (Essa & Young, 2003, p.235)
What is the positive impact of superhero play?
Shipley (2008) discusses the positive impact of Superhero play on young preschool children. He cites the work of Kosteliuk et al (1986) who offers ways that teachers can enable young children to improve as a result of engaging in Superhero play. He believes that like any program it must be well managed and monitored to affect the best possible results for the child. Discussion of this sort will dovetail into the next section which focuses on the roles and qualities of Early Childhood Educators.
Limitations and weaknesses...
For one, an Early Childhood Educator must emphasize in the child that he/she needs to acknowledge that all superheros have human qualities and limitations. For example, in the case of Superman it was kryptonite, for Bob aka. Mr.Incredible, it was an attractive woman. For Achilles it was the heel on his foot. In the case of Batman, it was protecting those he loved and in Spiderman it was Mary Jane and Aunt May Parker. In each case, the superhero must make supreme sacrifices in order to succeed in reaching his goal or mission. Also evident in each superhero is the concept that every action has consequences and this is key to child's learning in the world of experience. Cause and effect are important concepts that teach kids to make careful and informed choices because they will affect others and using Superhero play is an effective strategy to bring this message across.
Many of the Superheroes also have weaknesses and a darker side and some of these weaknesses could be explored in class. For example, some superheroes may appear fearless but in the case of Superman, kryptonite challenged him tremendously. Children could explore their fears and anxieties through role play and discussion in class. The ECE could also bring up the fact that our weaknesses, not our strengths really help us grow and evolve as individuals and this is the part that makes us all human: failure. However, it is necessary to fall and fail in order to grow stronger.
Many of the Superheroes also have weaknesses and a darker side and some of these weaknesses could be explored in class. For example, some superheroes may appear fearless but in the case of Superman, kryptonite challenged him tremendously. Children could explore their fears and anxieties through role play and discussion in class. The ECE could also bring up the fact that our weaknesses, not our strengths really help us grow and evolve as individuals and this is the part that makes us all human: failure. However, it is necessary to fall and fail in order to grow stronger.
Strategies and discussions...
It would take a skillful, facilitator of learning to get children to understand these concepts but it is viable in the learning environment. One way would be through dialogue and that would entail a class discussion as to who a real hero is. From this type of discussion many interesting, diverse and humorous comments will be elicited which will be both enlightening and engaging for the class. A good facilitator ECE could also address the world of make believe and how different things are in reality and why we must make the distinction for both worlds-one the imagination and the other - the logical brain-or in another words, juxtaposing the world of fantasy versus the world of reality for the young child. Another way that the early childhood educator could get the lesson learned from facilitating such an activity as Superhero play is to discuss the importance of the strengths and weaknesses of an individual. Virtues such as courage, physical strength and power but also appreciate the power of the mind and will, wisdom and persistence; that is staying the course and meeting one's goals no matter what are ways to get children engaged in discussion. Once again, the notion of making sacrifices in life is an important agent for learning. An effective ECE could discuss what makes a Superhero so special. Did he or she need to make sacrifices in life to attain some modicum of success? If so, what were the sacrifices and how did they impact the Superhero? Additionally the concept of recognizing the importance for standing up for what one believes as true and the value of doing the right thing as opposed to peer pressure or being lured by what one watches on television. (Shipley, 2008, p.214)
An ECE could also explore the topic of what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Drawing from examples in real life situations of whether the child has actually experienced or heard about, the ECE could present a case for young children about why it is wrong to be aggressive and lack compassion for someone who may not be as fortunate as they are. In many tales, Superheroes demonstrate the characteristics of compassion and empathy for others even their arch enemies. By having a lesson on values such as being empathetic, how to treat others such as friends, pets etc would also be a constructive way to incorporate Superhero play because it demonstrates acceptable as opposed to unacceptable behavior.
An ECE could also explore the topic of what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Drawing from examples in real life situations of whether the child has actually experienced or heard about, the ECE could present a case for young children about why it is wrong to be aggressive and lack compassion for someone who may not be as fortunate as they are. In many tales, Superheroes demonstrate the characteristics of compassion and empathy for others even their arch enemies. By having a lesson on values such as being empathetic, how to treat others such as friends, pets etc would also be a constructive way to incorporate Superhero play because it demonstrates acceptable as opposed to unacceptable behavior.
The roles and qualities required for an Educator...
There are many ways a teacher can reinforce the merits of Superhero play, there are also ways to guard against any signs of violence and or aggressive tendencies such as rough play that could easily occur if there is a bully in the midst. Kosteliuk et al.,(1986) defines rough play as fighting, wrestling and chasing behaviors (Boyd, 2008). Hence, the role of the ECE is to step in and redirect the activity ensuring that everyone is safe and no one gets hurt or is offended by someone's rough behavior. Usually the first sign of a child's cry signals trouble and an alert ECE would be able to stay on top of things and address any issues that may arise.
An important role of the ECE as facilitator of learning and growth is to ensure that there is safe and successful peer interaction and this means that no one is being left out of the Superhero play. Usually one or two student dominate the activity so allowing all to participate no matter how small the role is extremely important.
Lastly the role of the ECE is to be sensitive to his or her own gender bias. In Superhero play boys usually assume the role of superhero leaving the girls out or to get a minor role. An ECE could be mindful of this and allow a girl to role play the Superhero. Also, the ECE could even have a short lesson featuring some female Superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Storm, Batgirl or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Doing this, would demonstrate to the class that girls have just as many capabilities as their male counterparts to be a successful superhero. It may also send a message to other children of diverse cultures that all individuals are considered equal under the law in Canada.
An important role of the ECE as facilitator of learning and growth is to ensure that there is safe and successful peer interaction and this means that no one is being left out of the Superhero play. Usually one or two student dominate the activity so allowing all to participate no matter how small the role is extremely important.
Lastly the role of the ECE is to be sensitive to his or her own gender bias. In Superhero play boys usually assume the role of superhero leaving the girls out or to get a minor role. An ECE could be mindful of this and allow a girl to role play the Superhero. Also, the ECE could even have a short lesson featuring some female Superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Storm, Batgirl or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Doing this, would demonstrate to the class that girls have just as many capabilities as their male counterparts to be a successful superhero. It may also send a message to other children of diverse cultures that all individuals are considered equal under the law in Canada.
Last little bit...
In conclusion, I would agree that using Superhero play in the classroom is an effective way to "help children develop language, cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. (Understanding how your child's mind works, part 11, 2007)" If facilitated correctly, Superhero Play has the potential to teach children early on in life that with certain rights or bestowed power comes great responsibility. Through this form of play, children are able to foster a moral awareness of right and wrong actions, learn that every decision has a consequence and discover the importance of making socially responsible choices. Most importantly, Superhero play not only celebrates a child's successes,it also brings to light that personal weaknesses are necessary to help us learn valuable life lessons as well as improve and develop our character. Furthermore, those weaknesses help an individual to appreciate their strengths and find creative ways to work around or embrace challenges that are unique to each person. Collaboration is also a strong component of Superhero play which cannot be underscored enough. Just as heroes are sometimes forced to work together in order to achieve a common goal. Used under guidance, supervision and close monitoring by the ECE, children can benefit tremendously from engaging in Superhero play which makes it an excellent tool not only for teaching and instruction but also to facilitate a child's ability to learn independently from a creative, interactive and kinesthetic form of exploratory play!
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