My two boys love superheroes. In fact, the past three Halloween’s, my 5 and 2 1/2 year old have been Superman, Spiderman, another Spiderman, Batman and Robin. So there is no doubt why the “superhero” theme was fresh on my mind for our last marketing EasyStand Bantam “Standing Superhero” mailer. It was not until recently that I discovered on one of my new favorite parenting/teaching blogs, Teacher Tom, that there was a lot of talk in the parenting and teaching communities about superhero play. I was surprised to learn that some schools actually ban it. It seems to me that when managed, superhero play teaches about values, respect, empathy and safety – while being fun. Here are some ideas on how to make it a learning experience, as well as some adaptations for your children with special needs.
When kids pretend to be superheroes, they are brave and may be more eager to try new things. Superheroes overcome obstacles and this helps them to create their identity. Maybe if they were frightened of something in the past, when they put on their super hero cape (whether real or pretend) they will feel more safe and in control. This may have been why Ian, (a little boy who we met recently at a photo shoot at Kids Abilities) brought his Batman mask and parachute to his physical therapy session (Click here to watch a video of “Incredible Ian”)
It seems the biggest objection to superhero play is that it can get aggressive. Of course, we all want our children to be one of the “good guys” and abstain from doing naughty things. Understanding and talking about these things helps children understand these concepts and learn problem solving skills. Be sure kids know the guidelines and rules that help keep it safe. On the flip side, superhero play can be a fun way to work on motor skills as they imitate real superheroes. Ian (who has Spina Bifida) said he was “Flash Gordon” and quickly zipped around the rehab gym in his wheelchair. Later he was Spiderman and threw invisible spider webs at me. When he had his Batman mask on, he proudly flexed his muscles!
Parents and teachers can talk to the kids about real-life superheroes that the kids can relate to. Christopher Reeve, who played Superman in the movies, was a super hero in real life too. He was a quadriplegic who lobbied on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries and started the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. There are also many kids with disabilities who are real-life heroes! Organizations such as the local United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) or Muscular Dystrophy Asc. (MDA) have members and spokespeople who do amazing things everyday for other people.
To help children understand and identify the positive qualities of a real superhero, help them look beyond the physical qualities like flying, jumping, or even walking and standing, to super powers they can identify, relate to, and do! Have they witnessed and practiced super powers such as kindness, acceptance, and being friends? A child who does a simple act of giving another child a compliment or helping someone in need is worthy of superhero status. These are all ways that you can encourage your child to find their own super powers and potentials.
Help your little superhero to celebrate their accomplishments. Real achievement, whether physical, academic, or other positive qualities can help affirm their self-confidence. Did they do well on a puzzle or school activity? Did they have a great day at their PT or OT appointment or follow thru with their daily standing program? Did you see them do a good deed or care for someone else? Praise them for their real-life accomplishments that make them a hero. Taking their photo or giving them a certificate of achievement is a great way to recognize them.
Real-life superheroes are all around us and I have met many kids who use wheelchairs that amazed me with their attitudes and abilities. The concept behind our “Superhero” Bantam mailing, is that standing helps to bring out their natural super powers! Do vegetables, exercise, and vitamins help your body be as strong as it can be? You bet. And for a child who sits in a wheelchair, a standing program could also bring out their body’s natural abilities to keep itself strong. Anyone who has seen a child with a disability stand for the first time, would understand the “Think Big, Stand Tall” super power! Imagine the self-esteem and confidence boost it gives a child who is normally sitting in a wheelchair, to be the same height (or taller than) their peers in their stander. Superheroes – they are proud, accomplished, mighty and smart. As parents, teachers, and therapists, it is our duty to do all we can to unleash the super powers of kids of all abilities!
Does your child or the kids in your classroom participate in super hero play? What adaptations or tips do you have to make super hero play a learning experience and involve the kids with disabilities?
Superman Photo Credit: Schwa23
My son has been Superman, Red Power Ranger and Optimus Prime…must be a boy thing! With Halloween just about the corner I am curious to see all the creative costumes that kids, in and out of chairs, and their parents come up with!
A great quote I ran across: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” — Christopher Reeve