Superheroes Unite!

The Superhero project explored what superhero qualities each student possessed and how these unique “superpowers” contribute to our classroom and school community. The students investigated fictional superheroes and found a common theme in their powers. The students examined everyday superheroes in their community, learning about their different jobs and responsibilities. Each first grader considered the questions: What super qualities can you bring to better our community? How do superheroes work together? Students designed and made a costume to represent their superpower. The children also created social stories featuring their superpower in a comic book format. The stories were then made into short films with the students role playing in their superhero costume. These films and the students’ experiences were then shared at a school gathering.

Teacher Reflections:

There were several things we loved about this project. An absolute highlight was the excitement in the children’s faces when they realized that everyone possesses a superpower and no matter how old you are, you can make a difference. We often found them using their superpowers like Grit Girl, Thinking Man and Happiness Gal on the playground or during class time when no one was watching. At a table you would hear “Don’t give up, use grit!” when participating in a difficult math activity or “I’ll get a band-aid!” as Helpful Boy ran off to help a friend who had fallen down on the blacktop. It empowered the children to take ownership in making a positive change in their classroom and school.

Student Reflections:

The Superhero project taught me that I should help people and I should take big risks for the people I care for.

—Nia

I learned that superheroes are real and help us everyday like police officers and firefighters. Everyone is a superhero!

—Giovanni To learn more about this project and others, visit HighTechHigh.org/schools/HTEX/?show=projects