Superheroes

Superheroes showed up at school today.

Captain America and Wonder Woman.  And a Ninja.  But the children told me a Ninja isn’t really a Superhero.  Aren’t they smart!

Superheroes are far more than heroes with super powers.  They give children an “I Can” attitude, a stronger sense of self.  They make children feel good and see the good.  After all, it’s goodness that we strive for, along with knowledge.  John Phillips said it well in the 1700’s:

“Goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous, and both united form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind.”

Superheroes give children and teachers an opportunity to impart goodness and knowledge, an “I can do it” attitude, and the will to keep trying.  It’s the power of ‘yet’.  Thank you, Superheroes!

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
This entry was posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children, young children and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

51 Responses to Superheroes

  1. Opher says:

    They are all superheroes!

  2. srbottch says:

    Davy Crockett was a hero to me and he was super, too. At least, I thought so. And that’s why I begged my parents for a coonskin cap with a tail. But my real life (I know, Davy was a real person) Superhero was my dad. Nice post, Jennie.

    • Jennie says:

      That’s a perfect story, Steve. Superheroes are those who give us hopes and dreams, and the will to “do”, whether it’s Davy Crockett or a Dad. Thank you, Steve!

  3. I used to love this day at school! 😉

  4. I love this! I feel
    Like a superhero too! Way to go!!

  5. Dan Antion says:

    Thanks for having such an open mind, Jennie.

  6. frenchc1955 says:

    Jennie, I love this!!!!

  7. frenchc1955 says:

    Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
    Here is another wonderful post from Jennie on children as superheroes!

  8. All children need heroes and superheroes. And I agree with Charles French that we big people need them too. I am always thrilled when I see Ninja Warriors beating the bad guys because I know I have fought the bad guys and didn’t win, so I want all children to win. They need to know that no matter how big or bad the evil ones are, there is a way for them to win.

  9. Ritu says:

    We are all superheroes within… EVEN Ninjas!

  10. beetleypete says:

    Good to see this as always, Jennie. And you made a convincing Ninja! 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

  11. Children are the purest and dads really their super heroes

  12. Mischenko says:

    I love this! ❤

  13. So do you show them that “S” on your long johns?

  14. abbiosbiston says:

    My little boy loves superheroes. He is only 2 1/2 but he can name almost all of them and he loves wearing superhero outfits.

  15. Wonderful post, Jennie. The world is full of superheroes. I love it when kids learn they can be amazing people who can do amazing things.

  16. Children love superheroes and aspire to be like them (which is not a bad thing).

  17. Superheroes are inspirational provided that the children understand they are imaginary and that they can’t fly and do the things the superheroes do.

  18. L. Marie says:

    Adorable!!
    I grew up reading superhero comic books. I love the fact that they stood for what was right and risked their lives to help others. I think police officers and fire fighters are modern-day superheroes.

  19. I just shared this post with my daughter and said how different their lives might have been had they had someone like you teaching them. I always love coming here and reading what you do for this next generation. It gives me hope for the future. Loved reading this and we listened to Sesame Street together. What joy. 😉

    • Jennie says:

      That is the nicest, most wonderful thing to say, Marlene. Thank you! I am deeply moved and appreciative. Have I ever told you that your comments help me be a better teacher? Really. You say it like it is, no fluff, all the good and important stuff.

  20. Norah says:

    It’s always a delight to read your inspirational posts, Jennie, and I especially enjoyed singing along with this one this evening. Thank you.

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