20 : What is Your Superpower?
“There is a superhero inside all of us. We just need the courage to put on the cape.”
In literature, one of the most famous character archetypes is The Hero. The Hero is oftentimes the protagonist of a story, the one who rises up to the challenge and gives people hope. The Hero is often gifted with extraordinary powers, a sense of courage, and the will to do what is right.
Everybody knows a hero, whether it’s from the books we read or the movies we watch — even the news tell stories of modern-day heroes who contribute so much to society. It’s easy to notice the qualities that make a hero in others, but the truth is, all of us have the capacity to be a hero in our own way.
In our inquiry this week, the kindergarteners unleashed their inner heroes and learned how to save the earth, one recycled material at a time.
To unlock the meaning of the word recycle, the children watched a short video that explains how recycling works, and identifies the different materials that we can use for this process. The kindergarteners learned that we can recycle paper, glass, plastic, and metal.
Afterwards, the children went on a scavenger hunt in their homes to collect recyclable materials for an upcycling project. They were given a challenge: to create a toy, a tool, or an artwork with what they gathered. With their creativity in play, the kindergarteners were able to make pen holders, a glass cover, a vase, colorful art, a robot that can be used as a drum (with impressive engineering!), and even a whole playhouse! It’s amazing to see how much we can do with materials that others simply throw away. There’s definitely treasure in trash, don’t you think so?
To deepen the children’s understanding of the concept of recycling, we read Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel, a story about a polluted town that is neglected by the people who live there. Through Michael Recycle’s help, the townsfolk learned how their actions affect their environment, and how they can make better choices.
This story was the perfect invitation for the children to dress up as a superhero and share what superpower they have that can save the earth.
With the help of the The Little Green monster’s story of redemption, the kindergarteners (or should I say superheroes?) were able to share meaningful ways that they can and will do to save the earth:
To throw trash properly
To pick up trash from the beach so that it won’t go to the sea
To plant new flowers
To take care of trees
To use solar energy to power their homes (and Christmas tree 😁 )
Small (but big), meaningful, and sustainable actions — those are our superpowers.
It’s true what Commisioner James Gordon said, “You’re going to make a difference. A lot of times it won’t be huge, it won’t be visible even. But it will matter just the same.”
(cue music: na na na na… Batman! 😆)
It is our choices that give the world hope.
How about you, when did you last use your superpower?
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Your Kindergarten teacher,
Pam
P.S. In the spirit of inquiry-based learning, I am happy to share that some of the children have inquired further on solar energy at home! I truly value what the kindergarteners want to learn, so I also shared in class my personal connection on how solar energy has changed many lives in my country. May this inspire you, too.
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