Importance Of Superhero Role Play

Introduction I have decided to focus on an issue and topic that I feel passionate about and that is reality within childcare settings and with young children. The particular subject of if superhero role play is appropriate role play for children to participate in is an ongoing battle that both parents and caregivers have. While many children enjoy taking on different roles and characters, parents and educators alike feel that the violent nature and weapon use may be something that should not be encouraged and condoned during the children’s early years as it could potentially hinder or shape violent tendencies as they mature. As a result of these arguments, there is a wide range of controversy as to whether superhero role play should or should

Bauer and Ernest Dettore as well as “Teacher Response to Superhero Play: To Ban or Not to Ban?” authored by Brenda J Boyd. These articles both articulate the importance of understanding superhero play and why children enjoy it, ways to safely implement it within a school setting, and how to positively redirect and deal with overly aggressive behaviour in children. They override the preconceived notion that this type of play is negative, distancing and non-relevant, while in reality it is a means of expressing their thoughts, feelings, concerns and ability to adapt to situations

Through superhero play, it gives children the opportunity to control aspects of their lives that they otherwise may feel a loss of control in and take on roles to deal with these events and express themselves taking on a role they feel comfortable in. Children view superheroes as doing no wrong and always being right, this article articulates that through imaginative play, children believe what they play and feel a sense of comfort when displaying these, and taking on these ‘super’ roles. The article covers adult’s views on superhero play, and the misunderstanding and fear of future violent behaviour that happens as a result of their child demonstrating a preference for this play. The proven benefits of superhero play for children range from social-emotional development and gaining an understanding of right from wrong, and how to respect and follow boundaries that are put into place by the adult. The article also suggests that educators implement and scaffold the child’s natural curiosity around their interest into the different domains of development and encourage open minded and real to life topics within the classroom. In conclusion, this article states why we should allow this play, supervise this play, and understand the appeal of this play to young children so we can properly and safely implement