Super Hero Play Controversy

06/19/2013

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
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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