Kid’s love superheroes. What’s not to love? They can fly, apply super strength, use their superpowers, work as a team and can do good in the world.

Another thing that kids love is “Pretend Play”.  Pretend play sessions promote enthusiastic dialog complete with descriptive new vocabulary words and increased social interaction. Best of all, when kids pretend, they also take on the perspective of another person or creature. This, inherently, helps them to develop empathy—perhaps our greatest superpower as humans.

At our home we engage with our little superhero through Role play in some of his favorite characters. And I have seen through superhero pretend play how Vir feels brave, in control and just plain good.

April 28^TH is National Superhero day, this day is for honoring both fictional superheroes and real-life superheroes—those who risk their lives to keep others safe. Both heroes are role models for children, and even for adults.

Vir is a big fan of the dynamic hero trio of fan-favorites – Catboy, Owlette and Gekko – from the hit show PJ Masks. Good News!! Season 4 is debuting on May 15 at 7 PM EST/PST on Disney Junior.  And new episodes, including the FIRST-EVER 44-minute special Heroes of the Sky, that will take us through heroic adventures where we meet new allies, villains and locations while centered around the power of friendship and teamwork! The show is also available to watch on Netflix.

In today’s post I want to encourage all parents to use the power of roleplay and imagination on National Superhero Day with PJ Masks with their little superheroes.

To also help celebrate, check out the PJM National Superhero Day Celebration Kit 2020  (Click on this link for 20 page printable)

In this kit there are Activity Sheets/Printables that will help the kids have an entire day of superhero roleplay fun. Ring in the heroic day with the dynamic trio from PJ Masks, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko.

• Generate your own Superhero Name
• Learn PJ Mask moves
• Train Like a superhero
• Coloring Pages
• Maze Puzzle & more (Click on this link)  PJM National Superhero Day Celebration Kit 2020

DIY Costume

• PJ masks amulets printable
• Mask printable for Catboy, Gekko , Owlette, Romeo, Luna Girl & Night Ninja
• Print Mask and amulets  PJM National Superhero Day Celebration Kit 2020

Superhero Certificate

The certificate can be a great way to let the kids know they did a great job with all the activity sheets and effort they put in.

Some other learn and play activities you can include

 

Physical activity with a superhero obstacle course and tire them out.
Organize an obstacle course in your backyard or even your living room. Use a small blanket as cape or use the cut outs masks in above link and ask the kids to complete the course, pretending they are superheroes.

• Balance a book on the head to walk.
• Crawl under the chair
• Knock down all the cans.
• Jump from block to block.
• Ride the tricycle across the living room while making a silly face.
• Drag a heavy thing past the line.

 

DIY laser maze

You can tape crepe paper streamers, ribbons or yarn in your hallway and create a maze for kids to get through without breaking or touching.

 

Science Exploration with Magnetic powers
You need a variety of things available at home (nails, paperclips, coins, rubber bands, crayons, blocks, etc) Hold a magnet next to each item, one at a time. Sort the objects into two piles, those that are attracted by the magnet and those that aren’t.

Practice writing with superhero name

Use a dry eraser board and ask your child to trace or practice writing his /her superhero name.

Make Superpower Jell-O potion.

Take Red, green, blue or different flavors of Jell-O powder. Ask the kids to add one tablespoon of powder to a bowl. Add hot water and encourage children to take turns stirring until the powder is completely dissolved. Once the mixture is lukewarm, invite them to drink a spoonful of the superpower potion to make them strong like a superhero.

Bring in Real Life Superheroes.

In my recent Instagram post I had shared how I explained Vir that not all heroes wear capes. Real-life heroes put themselves in harm’s way, and in circumstances where they may risk their lives for others, just as their fictional counterparts do. Some of these heroes have careers that put them into these scenarios, such as members of law enforcement, military personnel, and firefighters and as we can see how the front-line workers are daily fighting the current pandemic. Reading a book and talking about their courage to our kids can be a great way to show the importance of helping others in time of need.

I hope these ideas help you and your little ones enjoy social distancing at home. How is homeschooling going moms?

XOXO