The video link below includes some pretty rough play, but if you listen closely, they’re reminding each other of the boundaries set, and showing restraint and control. These boundaries include asking for consent and assessing a peers interest in rough & physical play. Co-creating community norms and safety rules with the children is a powerful way to say yes AND create a safe context for play.Throughout my research, experts agree that there are ways to create a safe environment for this type of play. Teachers and parents are understandably concerned about safety issues when it comes to rough and tumble superhero play. “I have an idea! I can break him into a million pieces, and then turn the engine on so it’s ‘good mode’ and then bring it to my lair and then he can be my friend.” How can we create a safe way to say YES to these play urges? This shows a contemplation of good and evil, his capacity to share a big idea with his friend, and some hope that he could set the engine to “good mode” and change the morality of the bad guy character. In the video below, M has an idea to turn a bad guy into a good guy with a new invention. They develop their narrative skills, vocabulary, and expressive language by verbalizing their thoughts, dialogue, and actions during play. Cognitive and Language Skills:Īs children create stories and scenarios, they engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Whether they are running, jumping, climbing, or engaging in imaginative battles, their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination are challenged and improved. Superhero play is an active form of play that stimulates physical development in preschoolers. Preschoolers engage in collaborative play, negotiating roles, sharing responsibilities, and working together to achieve common goals. Superhero play often involves multiple children, creating opportunities for social interaction and cooperation. By embodying these traits during play, children develop a sense of self-confidence, self-control, and empathy. Many superheroes possess admirable qualities like bravery, compassion, and resilience. Superhero play provides a safe space for preschoolers to explore and manage their emotions. They construct narratives, create scenarios, and explore various possibilities, enhancing their creative thinking skills. Through role-playing as their favorite superheroes, children are transported into a fantasy world that they control. Superhero play fosters a rich and imaginative world for preschoolers. What are the benefits of rough & tumble superhero play? Imagination and Creativity: Research has shown that children who are supported in engaging in playful rough and tumble opportunities with peers and caregivers actually become less aggressive in frustrating scenarios and have practice reading social cues. Any play that is motivated by anger should be met with a compassionate approach to emotional regulation and thoughtful behavior management strategies. They are interesting and cool, and I want to model their behavior.Īnger or aggression is not an appropriate motivator of rough and tumble play. Heroes: I’ve seen superheroes and other characters on tv that use physical power to help and save friends.Cause and Effect: How do my actions affect my peers and teachers? How will they respond when I am aggressive or exhibit big behaviors? How can I get the attention I’m seeking from adults and peers?.Schema: My body feels a natural urge towards big movements and impact.Strength: How can I show that I am big and strong? I’m growing and getting stronger, and I feel proud of that. Power: How can I feel powerful? Who has power? Who are the powerful people in my world, and what do they do?.The best way to understand this play urge, is to examine children’s natural motivations in play: Rough & tumble superhero play emerges from children’s natural play urges. Play is a tool for children to investigate and process the world around them and their place in it. What motivates the urge to engage in rough, physical, superhero play? I have had the opportunity to learn about children’s motivations in superhero play, the benefits of rough & tumble superhero play, and how to explore safe ways to say YES to these natural play urges. With the help of my son, his teachers, and books by early childhood experts, I have been able to fully immerse myself in the rich, complex superhero play that is prevalent in his preschool classroom. Harnessing the power of the superhero play urge. He brushes his teeth with enthusiasm and then runs laps around the living room and kitchen (maybe there was a trace of Sonic speed?) This has been our bedtime routine every day for months. “Ok Mom, this will give me the power of Venom’s tentacles, Zurg’s head & rocket boots, Spin’s cloaking power, and Captain America’s shield!”
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