Did you grow up with a favourite superhero? Why? What was their power that attracted you?
Since my childhood (a long time ago), the number of superhero characters has grown, and some have been reinvented and reimagined. It seems that superheroes hold a special place in children’s minds and hearts across the generations. There is still a disproportional number of male versus female characters. However, the values many stand for and the clarity around good and evil are certainly part of what makes them attractive to young children. With the sense of omnipotence, power and control that the superheroes have, they can accomplish big things – when so often young children can feel powerless. It fits into children’s sense of roleplay and being able to solve big problems though the superhero power.
As you might imagine, there is a divide in the early childhood sector about the benefits and or place of superhero play within a program – there are many positive opportunities for children engaging in this play to support their imagination, develop social skills around negotiating and problem-solving in taking on the persona of a character. They begin to learn about fairness, right and wrong (young children are still very black and white in this space – not ready developmentally to grasp the concept of grey), they use their imagination in co-operative group play and, hopefully, some problem-solving skills. Also, generally, superheroes are physically active, which can be an encouraging factor. However, there is also concern that the play can become repetitive and not go in any direction, thus missing all the great opportunities from above. For some children and situations, the play can become aggressive and can create problems within the group context.
Several years ago, within Carey, we spent quite a lot of time thinking, learning and talking about the Via Strengths as a way of thinking about ourselves and the children as well. Via Strengths is a model of 24 areas which may present as strengths for different individuals. When talking to the ELC children about the concept of strengths, the image of the superhero became a useful reference point. Children wore superhero capes and we asked them what their superpower was, based on the Via Strengths, particularly kindness, bravery, curiosity, humour and vitality, to name a few. It had many positive outcomes and was a great way to help the children see their own and others’ strengths.
We have been very grateful recipients of a grandmother’s sewing skills from the Music Room who has made us 30 new rainbow superhero capes so we can continue the conversation and allow children to see that they don’t need superpowers to feel powerful.
What superhero skill would you choose, and what do you think you and your child’s Via Strengths are?
Wendy Seidler
Director of ELC Kew
