There are Mutants in my Classroom - A preschool story

Please, Steemit Community, do not harm me for what I’m about to say: I’m not a fan of Marvel movies. Or DC. The whole superhero genre, to me, is simply a soap opera. And I’ve never liked soap operas. I don’t hate them. I just would never choose to see them. But sometimes, there is no choice.

That said, I was born in the 70s and I have an older brother. And older brothers are in complete control of the television on Saturday mornings in the 80’s. Hence, Spidey and His Amazing Friends as well as Super Friends was on every Saturday. I also remember Fantastic Four. It’s kind of a blur. Then came all the Superman movies in the 80’s and the Batman movies from the 90’s, and again, older brothers have a way of taking over a little sister’s choices. Neverending Story? That would wait until VHS, little lady! Superheroes are cool! Although my brother prefers Marvel over DC (don’t start him on THAT), he loves all things superhero. The mere thought of the new Marvel movie Infinity Wars brings my brother to tears. I’m not joking. Seriously. He can’t even talk about it. Tears.

Therefore, I am knowledgeable of all things superhero by force. In addition, I now have a 17-year-old son. He was born in 2001, and the Toby McGuire Spiderman movies came out in 2002. Hence, it was right around preschool age that the DVDs started to make their way to my home. And after years of Teletubbies, let me tell you, these movies were actually welcome. Little did I know what was to come. X-Men. Hulk. Iron Man. Then the long, white comic book boxes came out of the crawlspace for an uncle to share with his nephew. And then the Marvel Universe never left our lives …

And now I am a teacher of 10 three to five-year-old boys … and in today’s world, you must also include my 7 girls. All of whom have never known a world without big, kick ass superhero movies. From my boys in Spiderman shoes to my girls in hot-pink Captain America tees, it is involved in their pretend play daily. Every day. Always. With all my little sister and mom knowledge of the comic book universe, I can’t help to think of myself as Professor X, Charles Xavier himself, training a new league of superheroes from the rocking chair on my carpet in my classroom. My students rival those from Marvel and DC alike. Let’s talk about my super preschool children, shall we?

Wolverine
No … no metal bones. This is the child that is always in attendance. You think this is no reason to label him Logan? The flu goes around, he fights it. There’s fever and runny noses? Not on his watch. Scabies? Unscathed. Scarlet Fever? Undefeated. These have ALL been present in my preschool and he has never fallen ill. Nothing can conquer him. Let me add this is the child that licks toilets. Sounds like mega-healing factor to me.

Hulk
Temper, temper. I’m sure even the most non-teacher, child-free adult can name a few wee Hulks that have crossed their paths. Social-emotional skills are not fully developed and this is the child that hasn’t a clue how to keep control of anger. Today, my Hulk child was hit by a ball in the gym. Very innocent, but not for the Hulk. First, I heard a faint grumble, followed by a low growl … uh-oh. The child who threw the ball made it worse: She laughed. The Hulk tenses his body. Almost like skin turning green, his grumble-growl-tense routine is easy to spot for an educated Professor. Most times, he’s caught before losing control, but like the Hulk, he is very strong. Your best bet is letting him release aggression on a daily basis in the soft block area. Hulk happy in blocks.

Wonder Woman
This girl is strong. This girl is TALL. And it’s all in her genes, with a mother who is over 6-foot and a father that matches the doorway. Yesterday, when lined up to wash hands, she accidentally elbowed the boy behind her in the face. An ice pack and call to mom later, this boy had an accidental black eye. She doesn’t know her own strength yet, but her personality is helpful and kind (she put her arm around the boy as I applied the ice pack). Dad is a teacher, her mom works for FEMA, and they teach her how to help her fellow man. This girl is a sweetheart and will help motivate the weakest, frailest, smallest preschool child. She’s just gotta watch those elbows.

The Flash
This kid runs everywhere. Walking feet! This is the phrase that means nothing to the Flash. Calm your body! We walk in the classroom! Please stop! FREEZE! No, not Mr. Freeze. The Flash. He can’t walk. He only runs. I’m thankful he’s good at it. Very agile and quick to lunge out of a dangerous situation, little Diana's elbows never catch him. Nor do David's tantrums.

I will never be able to escape the world of super heroes. It is in my family, my home, my blood. And in my classroom, either boys or girls can take on the characteristics of any super character. Who are the little mutants in your classroom?

photos
spideypool
charles
amazing friends
logan
david
diana
barry