The Power of Laughter

TOP 10 LIST What I Didn’t Know Until I Had Kids 10. How bright a 3 a.m. full moon is 9. The design marvels of hooded towels, Velcro-strap shoes and mitten clips. 8. Which lines of The Cat in the Hat can be skipped over without a child noticing 7. Scientific names of dinosaurs from A to Z 6. That one can never own too many sippy cup lids or refrigerator magnets

5. How little sleep a human body truly needs to function. 4. Why anyone would bother retracing their steps for miles just to retrieve a lost blankie. 3. Locations of public restrooms all across town. 2.How to open a van door while bobbling 2 lunch boxes, extra coats, a purse, a diaper bag, and a baby. 1. How to change a diaper in the dark, in a parked car, on a standing child and all of the above simultaneously.

WHAT WE WILL COVER TONIGHT Effects of Laughter on the Mind Effects of Laughter on the Body Impact of Humor on Learning Role of Humor in the Classroom Humor vs. Sarcasm Ways to Increase Laughter within Your Family “Humor is something that causes a tickling of the brain. Laughter is invented to scratch it.” Hugh Foot

Effects of Laughter on the Mind “The Joyfulness of man prolongeth his days.” Ecclesiastics 30:22 Laughter is an expression of emotion (mood) Sense of humor can lessen depression and anxiety Helps individuals emerge from crisis

Laughter and the Mind (Cont.) Increases a sense of positive self- esteem Linked to increased dopamine levels

Effects of Laughter on the Body “The simple truth is that happy people generally don’t get sick.” Bernie Siegel M.D. Lowers blood pressure Reduces stress hormones (cortisol) Strengthens immunity (t-cells) Decreases sensitivity to pain (endorphins)

Laughter and the Body (cont.) Equivalent to aerobic exercise Improves breathing and respiration Strengthens muscles that hold abdominal organs in place

Numerous experts have espoused the use of humor in their fields for various physiological and psychological benefits. The use of humor has been recommended as a business management tool that promotes a productive work environment. (From the article Why Use Humor in the Classroom?)

Impact on learning “ Humor nurtures the trusting relationship needed for engaged learning. ” Unknown Humor is a basic skill that needs to be nurtured and cultivated, and it can enliven any school subject Positive emotions play an important part in nurturing cognitive development Teaches meaning by interpreting tone of voice, facial expressions and body language

Impact on learning (cont.) Humor gets our attention and increases the likelihood of memory retrieval Establishes a sense of trust, so that there is more risk taking and self-confidence Humor facilitates communication with both individuals and groups – skills needed in academic institutions around the country and businesses all over the world

Humor and the Multiple Intelligences Linguistic Intelligence Mathematical Intelligence Visual-Spatial Intelligence Kinesthetic Intelligence Musical Intelligence Interpersonal Intelligence Intrapersonal Intelligence

The Role of Humor in the Classroom “Where there are children there should be laughter.” Mary Kay Morrison It attracts attention and provokes thought It helps children gain friends, promotes group membership and helps to deal with awkward moments Can be effective in dealing with tension, especially prior to test taking Helps students retain subject matter

Humor in the Classroom (Cont.) Provokes imagination Lowers defenses Increased comprehension and cognitive retention (presumably due to less stress and anxiety) Gives students a reason to attend class 

Sarcasm vs. Humor SARCASM Laughing at someone Hurtful Requires understanding social cues Bitter/cutting remarks Targets others in a negative way Ridiculing and taunting others HUMOR Laughing with someone Playful Does not require understanding social cues Funny & laughable comments For the enjoyment of all Comical and amusing for all

Ways to increase laughter in your home Really play with your kids without worrying about anyone watching you Stand in front of the mirror and make faces Play chubby bunny Play a cranium game – one with play dough, charades, and wiggling

Ways to increase laughter (cont.) Play Twister Read a funny children’s book Play in the rain and splash in the puddles Give your kids a camera and head outside for a funny photo shoot (bring props )

Ways to increase laughter (cont.) Make an indoor fort with the dining room table, pillows, and blankets (act out a story or skit) Look at old photos Watch old home movies Draw pictures of each other Read a joke book aloud Make up a singing routine

Ways to increase laughter (cont.) Camp out in a kitchen table fort with popcorn and a fun game, sing a few silly camp songs, make s’mores in the microwave, tell funny stories Play Rock Band, Guitar Hero, or the Wii Blow bubbles Just laugh! And enjoy being with each other