SEL Read Aloud: Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker

Summary

Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker is a fun and empowering story that shows young readers that everyone—even superheroes—has tough moments. The book introduces various superheroes who sometimes feel mad, sad, or frustrated. Instead of using their powers to lash out or cause chaos, these heroes choose positive ways to handle their emotions.

The book uses playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations to model emotional self-regulation in a way that is accessible and engaging for kids. Readers see that it’s okay to have big feelings, but how we respond to those feelings matters. Instead of throwing tantrums or misusing their powers, the superheroes pause, reflect, and choose to do the right thing.

This story helps children understand that they have the power to control their actions, even during difficult times. It celebrates emotional intelligence and shows that being a real hero means making good choices, even when it’s hard.

Comprehension Questions

Six questions aligned to Bloom’s taxonomy for teachers to evaluate students’ comprehension.

Remembering: What kinds of feelings do the superheroes experience in the story?
Understanding: Why do the superheroes decide not to use their powers when they feel upset?
Applying: What is one way you can calm down when you’re feeling upset, like the superheroes do?
Analyzing: How do the superheroes’ actions change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Evaluating: Do you think the superheroes made the right choices when they were having a bad day? Why?
Creating: Invent your own superhero and describe how they would handle a bad day in a positive way.

CASEL Discussion Questions

Five questions aligned to the CASEL competencies for teachers to foster an engaging discussion and social-emotional learning.

Self-Awareness: Have you ever had a bad day like the superheroes? What did it feel like?
Self-Management: What are some helpful things you can do when you’re feeling angry or frustrated?
Social Awareness: How do the superheroes show they care about others, even when they’re upset?
Relationship Skills: Why is it important to talk to someone or ask for help when you’re having a hard time?
Responsible Decision-Making: What can we learn from the superheroes about making good choices when we have big emotions?

Hands-On Challenge

Take students’ learning even further by incorporating a tangible, creative project.

Create a Superhero Emotion Kit

Understand
Begin by reading Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker. After reading, explain to students that their goal is to create a “Superhero Emotion Kit”—a personalized collection of tools, drawings, or items they can use to help manage their emotions when they’re having a bad day. Emphasize that just like the superheroes in the book, they will build their own set of strategies to stay strong, make good choices, and take care of their feelings.

Make sure students understand:

The purpose of the kit is to help them calm down when emotions feel big.
Their kit should include things that are meaningful and helpful to them personally.
They will use recycled or easily available materials to create their kits.
They will get a chance to decorate and personalize their kits to make them feel special, just like superhero gear!

Ideate
Now, students will brainstorm items to include in their own “Superhero Emotion Kit”—a collection of tools or ideas they can use when they’re having a bad day. These kits should be personal and practical.

Ask students to consider:

What helps you feel calm when you’re upset?
What objects, activities, or reminders make you feel better?
How can you fit these things into a small box or pouch?
What superhero-inspired words or drawings might remind you to stay strong?

Prototype
Students will create their kits using construction paper, recycled boxes, small personal items, and art supplies. They can decorate their kits with superhero symbols and include written or drawn strategies for emotional regulation.

Instructions for students:

Choose a container (like a small box or envelope).
Add at least 3 things that help you calm down (drawings, notes, sensory objects, etc.).
Decorate your kit with superhero colors or emblems.
Practice explaining what’s in your kit and how it helps.

Test & Present
Once the kits are complete, students will share them with the class. Each student will explain how their kit works and what makes it special for them.

During the presentations, ask students to:

Show the items in their kits and explain their purpose.
Describe a time when these strategies might help.
Reflect on what they learned about handling emotions like a hero.
Encourage classmates by sharing ideas and affirmations.

This challenge empowers students to manage emotions creatively, just like the superheroes in the book, while building self-awareness and empathy in the classroom.

Read Aloud

If you appreciated getting to read this book with your class, you might also want to share this book with them!

Additional Resources

- Even Superheroes Have Bad Days on Better World Books