The Power of Laughter

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The Power of Laughter
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TOP 10 LISTWhat I Didnt 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

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• 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.
• 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.

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Humor is something that causes a tickling of the
brain. Laughter is invented to scratch
it. Hugh Foot

• 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

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Effects of Laughter on the MindThe Joyfulness
of man prolongeth his days. Ecclesiastics
3022

• Laughter is an expression of emotion (mood)
• Sense of humor can lessen depression and anxiety
• Helps individuals emerge from crisis

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Laughter and the Mind (Cont.)

• Increases a sense of positive self-esteem
• Linked to increased dopamine levels

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Effects of Laughter on the BodyThe simple truth
is that happy people generally dont get
sick. Bernie Siegel M.D.

• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress hormones (cortisol)
• Strengthens immunity (t-cells)
• Decreases sensitivity to pain (endorphins)

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Laughter and the Body (cont.)

• Equivalent to aerobic exercise
• Improves breathing and respiration
• Strengthens muscles that hold abdominal organs in
  place

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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?)
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Impact on learningHumor 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

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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

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Humor and the Multiple Intelligences

• Linguistic Intelligence
• Mathematical Intelligence
• Visual-Spatial Intelligence
• Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Musical Intelligence
• Interpersonal Intelligence
• Intrapersonal Intelligence

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The Role of Humor in the ClassroomWhere 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

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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
• ?

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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

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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

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Ways to increase laughter (cont.)

• Play Twister
• Read a funny childrens 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)

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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

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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
  smores in the microwave, tell funny stories
• Play Rock Band, Guitar Hero, or the Wii
• Blow bubbles
• Just laugh! And enjoy being with each other