Versions of Supers: Using Heroclix in the Classroom

     TEACHERS: STEAL MY PPT PRESENTATION BELOW.

     As I write this post, I am in the middle of grading the essays to which it refers.  I suppose this post is an example of noble procrastination.

     One of the thematic units that my textbook prescribes is about HEROES.  That, of course, means that at some point in the unit I will need to have the students read about SUPERHEROES. 

     When that time comes I have the students do the following things: 

• Read comics for several days that focus on a student’s chosen hero.
• Take notes on the hero’s RANGE, DAMAGE, ATTACK, DEFENSE, AND SPEED while reading.
• Summarize each complete story read.

     Then I show the students a Heroclix (Wizkids/NECA, Inc.) version of the hero they have studied and the real assignments begin.

Post-Reading Tasks Using Heroclix: Same Hero, Different Version?  

Essay Prompt Only 

 

MINIS MIGHTILY MAGNIFY READER REFLECTION: A QUICK TIP

     Heroes and heroism is a common thematic unit in high school and middle school English classes.  Students are exposed to the exploits of Beowulf and Odysseus and Arthur.  Some teachers see this as a great opportunity to compare and contrast these heroes with famous heroes of comic books.  If this is the case with you, I would like to share a couple fun ways for students to demonstrate and defend reading comprehension using comic books and games. 

• Have students read a comic book, either in book form or online.
• Explain to the students how Heroclix superhero miniatures are statted:  numeric and textual explanations of their strengths and powers.
• Have the students stat out the characters they read about in their comic book of choice.
• (OPTIONAL) Students could get fancy by using this cool Heroclix Dial Generator.
• Have students defend each of their numeric stats and powers as they relate to the comic book they read.
• Reveal the real Heroclix stats for the same characters.
• Discuss which stats better reflect the actions and personalities of the characters in the comic book the students read.
• Students formalize their thoughts in a compare and contrast essay:  real Heroclix stats versus their own original stats. 

One of the great things about Heroclix is that there are hundreds of superheroes miniatures available, and they can be found at comic book and game stores sold separately starting at fifty cents to one dollar each. If you are willing to poke around, Critical Hit Magazine offers lots of these stats within its digital pages.

    This same assignment could be done using any roleplaying game that has superheroes statted out.  Instead of having to look up individual characters, all the teacher would need would be a game book. Here is a link to free pdfs of a classic of this sort, the old Marvel Superhero Roleplaying Game.