Superheroes are Real

Activity Overview

Superhero play is a classic theme amongst young children. When young children think of superheroes, they often picture a figure in a cape and mask who fights bad guys. By focusing on the idea that superheroes help people, we can open children’s eyes to the real life superheroes they encounter everyday. We can empower children to become a real life superhero themselves - to be kind and brave helpers in their world.

What You Need

• Cape, or any child-sized blanket

Steps

1. Discuss with your student what makes a superhero special, what powers they have, and what they do with those powers.

2. Read the story Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris.

3. Explain to your student that they can be a superhero, too. Have them pledge the superhero code at the end of the book. You can also choose to show a clip of the Vice President Harris pledging the oath of office.

4. Dress your student in their cape or blanket and role play scenarios in which they can be helpful superheroes. Encourage your child to continue the superhero work even when they are not wearing the cape.

5. Keep track of any instances where you observe your student being a real life superhero. Write them down and provide lots of positive reinforcement so they want to continue this important work.

Guiding Questions

• If you could have any superpower, what would it be? How would you use that power to help people?

• Who is a real life superhero that you know and what have they done to help you?

Extensions

• Research real life superheroes in history, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Marie Curie, Prince, Greta Thunberg, Dolly Parton and more. Begin with the Little People, Big Dreams biography series for young children by typing in "little people big dreams" on Epic's search page. Have discussions after each story about what their superpower was and how they used it to be kind and brave and help others.

• Study the science behind superpowers. Many animals use camouflage as their “invisibility cloak.” Cheetahs have “super” speed. Sea creatures have underwater superpowers, such as exploding ink and “glow power” (bioluminescence).

• Write your own superhero comic with your student. Come up with an origin story together and a superhero persona. You can be the trusty sidekick! Have your student draw the pictures and dictate the story to you!