Using Alicia Ortego’s Books in the Classroom: Tips and Examples
In today’s classrooms and after-school programs across America, teachers and educators are constantly looking for effective ways to support children’s social-emotional learning (SEL). Alicia Ortego’s My Superpower books have become a favorite tool for many educators to encourage kindness, mindfulness, confidence, and other important values in young learners.
Here are some real-world-inspired ways teachers and program leaders are using these books to enrich their daily lessons and build stronger, kinder classroom communities.
Create a Classroom Library Corner Where Students Can Read and Reflect
Many teachers set up a cozy library spot where My Superpower books are always available for kids during free time or quiet moments. For example, a 2nd-grade teacher in Ohio shared that her students often choose Kindness is My Superpower or Gratitude is My Superpower to read on the rug during recess or after lunch.
Tip: Rotate the books weekly and encourage students to share their favorite parts during morning meetings.
Use the Books as a Mindfulness Tool During Transitions
A PE teacher in New Jersey integrated Breathing is My Superpower into cool-down activities after gym class. Laminated pages with breathing exercises are posted near the gym door, and students visit the “Calm Corner” when they need to reset.
Tip: Encourage kids to practice mindful breathing when emotions run high — before tests, presentations, or even playground conflicts.
Encourage Students to Bring Books Home and Share with Families
Some educators noticed that kids get excited to take My Superpower books home and read them with their families. A kindergarten teacher in Texas created a “Book Buddy” program, where students check out one book each week and then share a story about how they practiced that superpower at home.
Tip: Send home simple reflection sheets with each book so families can write or draw their experiences together.
Use Books to Spark Group Discussions About Emotions and Behavior
A school counselor in Illinois uses Honesty is My Superpower and Acceptance is My Superpower during small-group sessions to guide conversations about friendship, truth-telling, and embracing differences. The stories help children open up about their own experiences.
Tip: After reading, invite students to role-play situations from the books or create “superpower pledges” to practice honesty, patience, or kindness.
Connect Books to Thematic Lessons and Celebrations
An after-school program leader in California ties Love is My Superpower to monthly kindness challenges. Kids decorate “love notes” and share them around the center, creating a positive atmosphere that lasts beyond Valentine’s Day.
Tip: Plan monthly themes based on different superpowers to keep students engaged year-round.
Use Books as Part of Social-Emotional Learning Curricula
Teachers in diverse classrooms are integrating My Superpower books into their SEL curriculum to teach skills like confidence, patience, and gratitude. One 3rd-grade teacher in Florida said the books provide a gentle way to discuss feelings and model positive behaviors.
Tip: Pair the books with journaling activities or art projects where students express what each superpower means to them personally.
Invite Students to Share Their Own “Superpower” Stories
Some classrooms turn the books into a launchpad for students to share stories about their own strengths and challenges. For instance, during circle time, a teacher might ask, “When was a time you used your patience superpower today?”
Tip: Create a “Superpower Wall” where kids post drawings, photos, or notes celebrating their efforts.
Final Thoughts
Whether in classrooms, gymnasiums, or after-school programs, Alicia Ortego’s My Superpower books are more than just stories — they’re tools for nurturing emotional intelligence and kindness every day. By incorporating these books in simple, relatable ways, educators across the country are helping children develop lifelong social-emotional skills.
We Want to Hear From You!
How do My Superpower books fit into your teaching or program? Share your tips, stories, or creative ideas with us! You can fill out this form or reply directly to this post — your experiences might inspire others and be featured in future content.
Note: The examples above are inspired by real educators’ practices and feedback but have been adapted for privacy and illustrative purposes.
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