Two new superhero movies this summer have people thinking about the Silver Age of comics. Both DC’s Superman and Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps arrive soon, bringing a shiny glow of nostalgia with them.

The Silver Age of superhero comics is roughly the late 1950s and all of the 1960s. You can read about it at various places, including this short overview from Book Riot and this library research guide from Tarrant County College (academics!).

Also, Matt Schimkowitz at AV Club has written a nice review of the Silver Age and how these new superhero movies are a callback to that era. Take a look here! And while you’re at it, check out some of these wacky Silver Age comic book covers:

Although remembered for some silly stories and goofy covers, the Silver Age was a transformative time of growth and revival in the world of superhero comics. And the AV Club essay highlights how the world of superhero movies is also nearing a similar juncture in its storied history. Here’s one quote from the article:

“25 years into the superhero movie trend, both franchises needed to look back to this era and find some of the freewheeling personality that made these books so fun in the first place.” 

The world of education, too, is experiencing a pivotal moment. Actually, every year and decade is a pivotal one for educators and students, schools and communities. But we are definitely in an interesting age, with all the “AI” chatter and ongoing challenges with reaching and teaching kids and their families.

Talk of the “Silver Age” brings up some interesting parallels with education. For one, the actual years during the mid-20th century were quite monumental. Things blasted off with Sputnik and Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, and schools navigated through the Space Race, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and more.

We haven’t changed much since then. Prejudice and protests continue to this day, with education often in the thick of it. Plus, there’s always technological fits and starts to keep us on our toes.

Maybe schools have never left the so-called “Silver Age.” Twists and turns, trends and turmoil are just part of everyday life and society. Even so, take hope in reflecting on “silver linings” celebrated from this era in comics.

When comic book historians discuss the Silver Age, two common themes emerge. The AV Club article linked above addresses this, noting how DC Comics told wildly imaginative stories, while Marvel Comics introduced more relatable characters and realistic interactions.

I’d argue that BOTH of these elements – imagination, relatability – are ESSENTIAL for effective teaching.

Don’t just take my word on it, either. There’s research and writings all about the importance of imagination in education, from books to thesis papers to encyclopedias.

Same thing with resources for teachers about building rapport and relatability in the classroom. You can find great stuff from organizations like the Learning Policy Institute and American Psychological Association, as well as resources like scholarly journals, education blogs, and more!

So as most of us educators transition into “summer mode” – which may include taking or teaching summer classes, attending and presenting at workshops, and a few weeks known as “unpaid time off” – reflect on the IMAGINATION and RELATABILITY in your classroom, and how you can grow both in your teaching.

And maybe do some surfing, too!