In this exciting project, first grade students stretched their imaginations, plumbed their inner strengths, and re-envisioned themselves as superheroes. We first investigated the idea of a “hero” by looking at the art photography of Josh Rossi, who in his series Justice League Kids digitally transforms terminally-ill children into superheroes, thus empowering them to see their strength and inner power even in the face of illness. After reflecting on his work, my students were inspired to embark on a creative challenge of their own!

They identified and celebrated their own personal strengths, and expressed these values in a colorful self-portrait. They then designed a complete photoshoot — with make-up, costume, and a “super pose” — to embody that inner heroism. We partnered with the Green School Media Lab to photograph and Photoshop these incredible images into full-sized posters that brought our young artists’ imaginations to life. The final images were a huge hit with the students, and have become the iPhone backdrop of choice for many a proud parent!