the power of laughter top 10 list what i didn’t know until i had kids 10. how bright a 3 a.m. full...

The Power of Laughter

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TOP 10 LISTWhat 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



the power of laughter top 10 list what i didn’t know until i had kids 10. how bright a 3 a.m. full...

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