10 Reasons You NEED Humor
1) Classroom
safety is your number one priority, and discipline is a constant challenge.
2) The
same methods won’t work for all kids, all the time. One thing is certain, though: of all the
tricks in your behavior management toolbox, humor is one of the most
powerful. It’s the carrot not the stick;
the honey not the vinegar.
3) Laugh
or else! Without joy and spice sprinkled
into your day, creative play will go underground in the form of spitballs,
graffiti, and pranks; the class clowns and the rebels will rule. Not nice!
Remember: If you don’t laugh with your students, your students
will laugh at you (behind your back).
4) Memo:
Laughter is fun! A big belly laugh will
bind the class together with a deep rapport.
5) Humor
is creative! Your classroom suddenly
becomes high-interest, and your own mind feels fresh and spontaneous…and
young.
6) Humor
relieves stress. A burst of laughter
releases a thousand wrongs. It helps
kids—and teachers—deal with change or adversity.
7) Humor
makes us more flexible, not stuck in one emotion. It shows us that the world is balanced; that
happiness and sadness, triumph and defeat, can coexist.
8) Laughing
shakes up our lymph system; it heals our body, mind and soul. It strengthens the immune system, lowers our
blood pressure and makes us more present and alert.
9) Laughter
is memorable. Kids may not recall a
particular lesson, but they will remember if they were happy or sad; at
ease or stressed. It puts the pyramid of
needs in perspective: first a sense of safety and well-being, and then higher
learning can take place.
10) When kids learn how to use humor respectfully,
they’re learning the power of respect, empathy, and healthy boundaries in all
areas of life.
Had enough? Wait! There's more!
And I hope you'll share some of YOUR list!!
I love a good laugh, and over the years I've collected hundreds of funny things to say and do that will get kids to behave--and enjoy life and learning. That's heaven to me. And also, Survival 101 in the classroom.
Now that it's all down on paper, I'm thrilled that I can share it with you.
Had enough? Wait! There's more!
And I hope you'll share some of YOUR list!!
I love a good laugh, and over the years I've collected hundreds of funny things to say and do that will get kids to behave--and enjoy life and learning. That's heaven to me. And also, Survival 101 in the classroom.
Now that it's all down on paper, I'm thrilled that I can share it with you.
Behavior Management with Humor is a mega-resource that teaches step-by-step skills for discipline—and then adds tools and strategies to make it FUN.
Laughing shakes up our lymph system, and heals our body, mind and soul. It strengthens the immune system, lowers our blood pressure and makes us more present and alert. It’s empowering, rapport-building…AND I can tell you from experience, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your behavior management kit!
Laughing shakes up our lymph system, and heals our body, mind and soul. It strengthens the immune system, lowers our blood pressure and makes us more present and alert. It’s empowering, rapport-building…AND I can tell you from experience, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your behavior management kit!
I REALLY LOVE this, and I think you might, too.
If you’d like a Behavior Management MEGA-Bundle—with School Rules, Behavior Management with Humor, Behavior Modification Game Charts, and Behavior Management Callbacks—it’s here.
I’m on a mission: to help you feel CALM and CONFIDENT—and ready to laugh—starting on your first day of school.
As always, I'm wishing you all the best!
Your 10 reasons are all absolutely true and equally important. When kids laugh in class, they feel more a part of the classroom culture and know that learning can be enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your observation, Jacqueline! I love making kids feel like they're part of a fun club! -- Renee
DeleteOh my gosh! Sometimes all you can do is laugh! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Chelsea! Here's a new one: a laugh is worth a thousand words :) -- Renee
ReplyDeleteYour post is perfect for starting a new school year. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Y-to-L! Hope your year is the best yet! -- Renee
DeleteI totally agree that humor is necessary! If you can't see the humor in situations, you're never going to survive!
ReplyDeleteWise words, Katy, but not obvious if behavior management is difficult for you. -- Renee
DeleteHa, number 6: I once caught my heel around a student's desk and took a tumble to the floor. My poor class of 4th graders was horrified: there was a collective intake of breath. I got to my feet and told them all, "It's okay--I know it was funny--you can laugh!" :)
ReplyDeleteI especially liked your point about modeling a respectful use of humor for kids.
ReplyDelete