Heroes Leaders Champions · Pre-K through 8th grade
A play-based program that turns everyday problems into power skills. Kids use the same tools an actor uses to build a role, so they can become the person they want to be.
Endorsed by Dr. Philip Zimbardo, former president of the American Psychological Association.
Watch
Short clips about what HLC does for kids, families and schools. Turn your sound on.
TEDxYouth@DSST
Watch Diana's TEDx talk for young people. It shares the heart of Heroes Leaders Champions: the belief that there's a hero inside each of us, ready to answer the call.
What kids gain
Everyone has problems. Few people are ever taught a practical way to handle them. HLC gives kids that system early, in short activities of 15 minutes or less.
Self-esteem that holds up when circumstances or other people change.
Creativity aimed at real problems, not just make-believe.
Tools to manage anxiety, strong feelings and the fear of failing.
Emotional breakdowns become chances to grow.
Kids learn to spot emotional manipulation, which helps protect them from people who mean harm.
A step-by-step process for solving real problems at home and school.
Communication skills that build friendships and trust.
Kids, parents and teachers use the same words, so problems get solved faster.
How it works
A theme kids love keeps their imagination and sense of play switched on, so the skills actually stick.
Step 1 · Identity shaping
Kids see themselves as problem solvers. Using an actor's tools, they create the person they want to become and face challenges with a growth mindset.
Step 2 · Emotional intelligence
Emotions are energy in motion. Kids learn words for what they feel, how to manage it, and how to point that energy at the problem. This builds self-regulation and empathy.
Step 3 · Problem response
A simple, strategic system for solving problems that primes the brain for learning and fits right into your classroom or house rules.
Step 4 · Social intelligence
Team building, role theory and communication skills strengthen every relationship: kid to kid, teacher to student, and parent to teacher.
Peek inside
Every power comes with hands-on play pages, so kids practice the skill right away. Here are a few.
Part of Heroes Leaders Champions
Thirteen books that build heroic skills. Twelve short power books each focus on one skill, simple to read with a solution-focused punch. The thirteenth is Battle of the Books, a chapter book about a kid learning the tools and facing everyday challenges, with a special note from Dr. Philip Zimbardo.
Use the set on its own at home, or alongside the school curriculum.
$149 plus shipping and tax. Your order includes the Battle of the Books download, sent by email.
Three ways to use it
Pick one or combine them. Every option includes training for the grown-ups.
Heroes at home
Leaders at school
Champions online
Endorsed
I spent significant time at APA with Diana Brittain Thompson and her collaborator Dr. Brittain to realize her work on heroism with children is extraordinary in every way.Dr. Philip ZimbardoFormer president of the American Psychological Association
HLC in action
Questions
Kids from Pre-K through 8th grade, and the grown-ups around them. Schools use it as a curriculum, homeschool families use it as their SEL program, and parents use it at home.
Most activities take 15 minutes or less. Schools can run weekly lessons with coordinated activities for home.
No special background is needed. Teacher and parent training is included, live or virtual, and Side Kick tools show the grown-ups exactly how to help.
Yes. The school curriculum includes content standards and fits into your existing classroom discipline model.
Yes, and that is where it shines. Kids, parents and teachers share the same hero vocabulary, so a problem at school can be solved the same way at home.
Yes. Powers in a Box can be used on its own. Buy it in the shop, or send Diana a note below with any questions.
Let's work together
Tell me about your school, homeschool or family and I'll help you pick the right starting point.
Diana will reply within two business days.