One of the things that frustrates my younger children is living in their older siblings’ shadows. Teachers and coaches call them by their siblings’ names or assume they share certain characteristics. It’s a challenge to define who they are separate from the siblings who went before them.
The new Captain America, Sam Wilson, is also struggling with his ‘successor’ role. He must try to figure out how he wants to portray himself and what he is going to value and prioritize. Watch Captain America: Brave New World with 9-12 year olds and use one or more of the following activities to explore themes of identity and personal values.
New look. Unlike the previous Captain America, Sam did not take the super soldier serum. He also has different gears, such as wings, and different fighting techniques. Invite children to draw a picture of themselves as Captain America. Encourage them to include symbols and tools that signify how they see themselves operating in the role.
New role. Sam values mentoring other people. He takes Joaquin under his wing to help train and advise him as he grows into the role of Falcon. Make a list together of things that Sam did as Joaquin’s mentor. Ask children: Which of these things could you do to mentor someone? What are some additional ways that you might (or already do) mentor others? Add these ideas and practices to your mentoring list and post it as a reminder of their mentoring experience and possibilities.
New chances. Isaiah Bradley is jailed again even though everyone knows he is innocent. Sam promises to prove his innocence and free him. Invite children to research the issue of wrongful convictions and what can be done to overturn them. (You might start with organizations like the Innocence Project or The Exoneration Project.) Ask: Why do you think people are wrongfully convicted? What could you do to help prevent wrongful convictions? How could you help people who have been wrongfully convicted get justice?
New struggles. Several times, President Ross almost loses his temper. He experiences distorted vision, ringing in his ears, and pressure in his chest. To help calm himself, he slams his hand, leaves the room, and/or thinks about a pleasant memory. Invite children to try out a calming breath practice. Say: Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Take a deep breath in (pause) and slowly let it out. (pause) Take another deep breath in (pause) and let it out slowly. (pause). Repeat this slow breathing several more times, then share with one another the changes you felt in your bodies as you breathed.
New realizations. At the end of the movie, Sam reveals that President Ross has taken full responsibility for his actions and apologized to the American people. Invite children to imagine President Ross’s apology. Ask: If you were President Ross, what would you include in your apology? How would you show people that you are sincerely sorry? Take turns pretending to be President Ross and offer your apology before you resign from the presidency.
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