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1. 1. Visit www.earlychildhood.com. Select 'Reading Center' from the left-side margin. Type 'superhero play' in the search box and click 'Go!'. Select the first article 'Superhero Play in the Early Childhood Classroom: Issues in Banning Play from the Classroom' by Brenda J. Boyd Ph.D. In this article Brenda Boyd draws similarities between superhero play and 'rough and tumble' play, suggesting each offers the same benefits to children's development.

a Describe rough and tumble play.

b Discuss the three functions of this type of play.

c What teaching opportunity does Brenda Boyd fear teachers will lose by banning superhero play?

2. Visit ABC Online at www.abc.net.au. Click on Kids from the top menu bar and select TV Programs and Guide. From the ABC Children's TV site select 'tv shows' from the left-hand margin and select the 'Save-ums' using the A to Z index.

a In the 'Meet the Save-ums' section, read and print the profiles on each character. Outline the positive qualities of each of the Save-um superheroes and explain how each character can help preschoolers feel confident and accepting of themselves.

b Play some of the games on the site and suggest how each can assist early childhood development.

3. Conduct an Internet research on a popular superhero such as Superman, one of the Powerpuff Girls or one of the Power Rangers. How does the character solve problems? What messages do you think the character sends to young children?