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Super Hero Play Controversy
June 19, 2013
There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
-Willa Cather
-Willa Cather
We have published over 3,000 stories in ExchangeEveryDay, but few have stimulated as thoughtful and diverse responses as last week's story "Preschool Bans Super Hero Play." Here a just two random examples of the responses (click on the title above to view all 19 responses):
Bonnie Lueck, St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin:
"This is a shame, as the children need this type of play as an outlet for experimenting with power in their lives. Research does not show that there are more injuries during this type of play. The teachers have a responsibility to help guide this play and make sure the children have a 'stop' word when the play have gone too far.
"The same holds true for a female's 'power play,' which is based on belonging to a group and being shunned because you don't have the correct shoes or the right pink headband. Because the children are not physically hurt in this type of 'power' scenario, it goes unnoticed, when actually cutting words and exclusion from a group can hurt much more than physical bumps and bruises. It is more long term as well. Teachers need to be trained to properly guide all play of children in their care. Not permitting some types of play does not solve the problem of needing power and learning how to regulate it."
Terry Kelly, Spirit Child Yoga and ECE, Aurora, Ontario:
"Wow — it's my whole career flashing before my eyes! Star Wars, Ninja Turtles, Spider Man, Power Rangers, He-Man, Star Wars again, Spider Man, Hulk, Batman, Spider Man again. I've had co-workers ban these, too. It DOESN'T work.
"Better to channel those energies and use this as emergent curriculum. Harness that interest and teach the children how to analyze their attraction to the superheroes. Talk about problem-solving tactics. Simultaneously encourage big body play, which the children crave and need. They need to take some risks. They need to learn about boundaries. They need to know about positive touch — how to give it and receive it."
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Comments (6)
Displaying 5 of 6 Comments [ View all ]Mrs. Noodles
Oxford, MA, United States
There is no place for super heroes in early childhood programs. Younger children need concrete role models who use positive guidance for children to be kind to one another, to be playful and not forceful and vengeful. Violence, in my opinion, is being condoned by these comic figures dreamed up and written by adults ... adults!! Big body play always results in flared tempers, and, in some instances, injury to body and/or ego.
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
I have actually responded to the children's super hero play by infusing their ideas into curriculum, namely The Project Approach. When we had a "hero" project, children studied "real" heroes--firefighers, etc. while enjoying their fantasy world of super heroes.
ece consultant
Dallas, TX, United States
Superhero play was very popular in the mid-80's in k-5 my classroom. And one of the the issues was when a child playing superhero would shoot a child that wasn't playing, with his toy gun made out of a wooden block, and that child got upset. The children decided, after a guided discussion, that superhero players could only shoot other children who are playing with them. Also girls banning other girls from their play, was common. And we used conflict resolution to solve that issue. And the person who was upset was either allowed into the play, or they were re-directed to make a new plan, and I would stay with them until they were comfortably transitioned. Children need to roleplay those power roles, and share that experience with each other. It instills confidence and cooperation.
BAM Radio Network
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
The experts are quite clear on the need for superhero play! Here are two fabulous discussions on the topic:
"War, Gun, & Super Hero Play: Good or Bad?": http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=496:jackstreet54&catid=35:jackstreet54&Itemid=89
"Children Playing with Toy Guns & Imaginary Assault Weapons in School. Problem?": http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=983:jackstreet54&catid=35:jackstreet54&Itemid=89
Just about 12 minutes each and worth the listen! Both feature "peace activist" and early childhood expert Nancy Carlsson-Paige.
Garden Gate CDC
Vineyard Haven, MA, United States
"Children in this age group are living in a world of black and white. In order to begin to experience the grays and see the nuances, we believe this type of play is very valuable, and absolutely necessary. Without embodying the bad, it is difficult to internalize the good. Children are developing empathy, morality, and a personal and classroom conscience. Superhero play, the good guys vs. the bad guys, allows children to see a variety of perspectives, take on challenging social roles and see what effect their actions have on others through play. Ultimately, this begins to form their world view and shape their skill as friends, problem solvers and negotiators."
This is an excerpt from a note my co-teacher Dawn Warner wrote on our Facebook page. We feel very strongly at Garden Gate that this type of play is valuable and necessary!
https://www.facebook.com/notes/garden-gate-child-development-center/exploring-power-control-and-conflict-why-superhero-play-is-so-valuable-in-the-cl/510792542264129
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