Ages 12 - 15. 

• To spark creativity and spontaneity in participants.

• To enhance decision-making skills in conflict situations.

• To develop conflict management abilities.

• To cultivate empathy in assertive communication.

• To improve active listening skills.

• To increase self-awareness and understanding of psychological mechanisms and behavioural patterns.

• Superhero cards featuring different fictional characters, enough for each participant.

• Neutral or heroic background music.

• Notebooks for personal reflections.

• Optional: Props or costumes to embody the superhero characters.

60 minutes.

Superhero selection:

Spread the superhero cards on the floor and play neutral background music. Invite students to choose a card that resonates with them and sit with their choice and notebook.

Once seated, prompt them to write about their character’s powers, inspired dreams, vulnerabilities, and fears.

Bringing characters to life:

Encourage students to embody their superhero. Ask them to consider their character's walk, gaze, feelings, and even craft a catchphrase.

Character interaction:

Pair up students. Each pair devises an "Impro-rapid" line for another pair, defining which partner delivers the line. This should include elements of conflict, connection, and urgency.

Let the scenes unfold, with participants acting out their responses to the given lines as their superheroes.

Resolution: Pause the activity, guiding students to close their eyes and reconnect with their superhero persona. On cue, they represent their character through a statue pose, then proceed to resolve the ongoing conflict as their superhero.

For younger children, simplify by focusing on familiar superhero traits like kindness or bravery. For older participants, encourage more complex backstories and challenges. For participants with limited mobility or expressive abilities, offer drawing, storytelling, or role-play alternatives. In virtual settings, use digital art tools or shared story documents. For culturally diverse groups, encourage inclusion of different cultural heroes or qualities.

Reflect on the emotional experience of embodying a superhero. What stood out in the character you created?

Discuss the improvisation process. What unfolded before and after embracing your superhero persona? What insights did you gain?

The expected outcomes of the Superhero Selection and role-play activity include enhanced self-awareness, emotional expression, and creative embodiment. By choosing and developing a superhero persona, students explore their inner strengths, aspirations, vulnerabilities, and fears in a symbolic yet personal way. Embodying these characters fosters empathy and confidence, allowing them to explore alternative ways of facing challenges and resolving conflicts.

This activity encourages creativity, self-expression, and exploring personal strengths through the superhero metaphor. Create a supportive environment where participants feel safe to imagine and share their unique powers and stories. Emphasize that everyone’s “superpowers” are valuable, whether big or small, physical or emotional.