Jill Bates Justin Hayes Steph Wanek HUMOR IN THE CLASSROOM

WHAT IS HUMOR? “Happy people produce more and work better. An investment in happiness has a concrete payout…and fast.” –Brad Montgomery

HUMOR IS NOT…

Educational Researcher Mary Kay Morrison HUMOR DEVELOPMENT

 Birth to two- peek-a-boo  2 years to school age- knock-knock  Early elementary years- riddle de dee  Later elementary through teen years- punny funny  Peak experience/utopia- fun finder STAGES OF HUMOR DEVELOPMENT

Educational Researcher Mary Kay Morrison 10 RESEARCH-BASED HUMOR BENEFITS

 Instructional videos  Bell ringer  Jokes  Cartoon  Costumes  Accent/voices  Music/songs CAPTURES AND RETAINS STUDENT ATTENTION jimmy Fallon Clip

 Combat boredom  Plays with meaning  Visualize problems in an alternate way  Engages critical thinking  Motivates reluctant readers EXPANDS STUDENT COMPREHENSION

INCREASES OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMORY RETENTION Marilee Sprenger, author of Brain –Based Teaching in the Digital Age, states using humor -- not necessarily joke-telling -- is not only attractive to the emotional system, it also allows for some higher level thinking. Humor, laughter, and joyfulness release important brain chemicals that make us feel good and aid in retention. Some research suggests that we remember at least 30 percent more of what we learn with humor. FEAR HUMOR ParrMr video

 Positive effects on climate  Kids feel more open and willing to ask questions.  Colleagues are more approachable.  Larger sense of community. BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES

CREATES A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

SUPPORTS CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

HEALTH BENEFITS

 Creativity  Insert personality into lessons  Opening class  Reducing stress  During class  Refocusing class  Giving recognition  Ending class

How do I feel? Am I interested? Is it important? Can I do this? Marzano’s Four Levels for Attention and Engagement

IS FUN!

 Grant Thompson, “The King of Random” Grant Thompson, “The King of Random”  Sick Science Sick Science  Mental Floss Mental Floss  Math video Math video RESOURCES

 Contact us with questions.    THANKS FOR LAUGHING WITH US!