Study the concept of symbolism with your students by asking each student to create their own unique superhero sign. When disaster strikes and Batman is needed, the citizens of Gotham City flash the recognizable bat sign. Take a look at this sign with your students, and discuss why it is an effective choice as a representation for Batman.
Next, ask students to pretend that they are a superhero. Instruct students to use construction paper and coloring supplies to create a signal that could be used by the citizens of their fair city to call them. Ask students to select a symbol that they feel would be an appropriate representation of their personalities.
After students have created their symbols, display them across the classroom chalkboard. Allow the classmates to guess which symbol belongs to each student based on their knowledge of their classmates' personalities.
Help your students understand how to identify similarities and differences by engaging them in a comparison activity. Ask your students to tell you about other superheroes they like. List the names of the heroes they mention across the chalkboard.
After creating a list of four or five heroes, ask students to think about how the heroes are similar and different from Batman. Select one of the mentioned heroes, and create a list of things that the hero shares in common with Batman, and ways in which the hero differs from Batman. As you create your lists, use simple terms so students are not overwhelmed by the activity.
Once you have created your lists, allow the students to test their skills. Say a trait that belongs to only one of the heroes, such as "Wears black." Ask students to raise their hand if they can identify which character that trait belongs to. Reward the student who answers first with a prize.
Assist students in developing eye-hand coordination by engaging them in a Batman picture contest. Provide each student with a simple image with Batman and a sheet of drawing paper. Tell students to use their artistic skills to create a hand-drawn image of Batman, using the provided image as reference.
Once students complete their drawings, post them on a classroom bulletin board. Allow students to vote for their favorite drawing. Reward the winning artist with a Batman-themed prize.