SMART START Superheroes

      SMART START students are fascinated by the role of a "superhero." We incorporated this theme into our studies at school through hands-on activities that highlight the true meaning of being a hero. Our goal is to instill in our young learners important values to make great choices each day. Follow along below to see a blast from the past "Superhero Week" and our most recent "Superhero Day."     Classmates circled together to listen to a favorite, "Character Kids Save The Day!" This story details five students who come to the rescue of their peers at school using cooperative, kind, responsible, honest and brave superpowers. All took turns holding up Character Kids figurines in correspondence with the reading. Afterwards, we discussed how everyone can act like the heroes through sharing, telling the truth, taking care of ours and others belongings, being inclusive and so much more!       

     Our classroom walls and whiteboard transformed into a "Heroic Students" backdrop. The scene was filled with positive and encouraging statements such as:  

• We do our best!
• Keep working toward your goals!
• We share!
• Never give up!
• Make smart choices!
• We are kind!
• Always be truthful!
• We work together!

     These mottoes reflect our central core values at SMART START: Service, Mindfulness, Achievement, Respect and Trust. 

     The themed language arts lesson consisted of spelling the words: super, power, kind, brave and share. Prekindergartners used their knowledge of phonics to sound out certain words and comprehended the concept of a silent "E." Preschoolers practiced letter identification and matching letter to sound. All achieved a "Super Speller" award.

     Previously, super students used their teamwork abilities to play the classic game Connect 4. Problem solving, pattern detection and counting skills were challenged and enhanced during this activity.

     This year, all assembled a picture frame to commence their superhero ensemble project. Each used stickers and chose a super power they thought best described themselves: I am kind, I am responsible, I am brave, I am cooperative or I am honest.

     Future heroes were ecstatic to decorate their very own cape. Supplies used included glue, stickers, jewels and glitter. All were eager to showcase their capes and practiced saying, "SMART START Superheros save the day!"

         Once capes were complete, all gathered to design masks to finish their costume. Peers used their capes, masks and imaginations as they demonstrated their interpretation of a superhero. Phrases such as, "Hurry someone needs help!", "Don't be scared, we can do it!", "We have to take turns!" and "Be a good friend!" were used. Pretend play activities provide multiple benefits for children. Some being but not limited to:

• improves communicative skills
• promotes social and emotional intelligence
• fosters creativity 
• synthesize and attain knowledge 

      

     Peers received superhero hole punch cards during our past "Superhero Week". Each time a pupil exhibited a heroic quality, they were able to hole punch their card. Once the card was filled, all were rewarded with a prize. This system reinforced the positive characteristics and behaviors discussed throughout this unit, as well as teaching how to set and achieve goals.

    On "Superhero Day", friends focused their attention to a display which featured an assortment of books relaying the important heroic messages. This time allowed for a discussion regarding the everyday heros without capes and powers. Each participated by naming a heroic individual in their lives. Mommy, daddy, firefighter, doctor, police officer, best friend, brother and sister were thoughtfully mentioned.

 🦸SMART START🦸