Book Study: Humor

Chapter 6 is all about humor in the classroom.  The chapter begins by highlighting the benefits of humor.  Humor helps kids take risks in a safe environment thus increasing their creativity and their higher order thinking.  The part of this chapter that struck me most was the idea that when learning becomes pleasurable we never forget.  Powerful statement about kids minds and what we need to do to help them learn, remember, and apply their learning.  

When I first started reading this chapter I have to admit I agreed with everything that was written but I was wondering what strategies the author would reference that would work in a first grade classroom. As I read through the chapter I realized a ton of what I already do in my classroom involves humor and laughing.  

What I'm Already Doing: 

During transitions or when we have a few extra minutes (do we ever have a few extra minutes?) my kiddos love this dinosaur riddle book.  The riddles always get the kids talking and laughing as we learn the answer together. 

We've also been know to enjoy a poem or two from these books.  They're always good for a few laughs.  The kids love the Shel Silverstein books so much they're picking the books up to read when they have a few minutes after snack.  I look over and I'll see 5 or 6 kids sitting together reading and enjoying these poems.  My teacher heart is so happy when I see this!!

We do a ton of "cheering" throughout our day to celebrate great thinking and smart answers.  I typically give the kids a choice as to what cheer we will use.  Some of our favorites are the Roller Coaster cheer, Brrrrriliant cheer, Hulk cheer, rodeo cheer, pirate cheer as well as the ten finger woo-hoo.  The great thing about cheers is the kids enjoy them and they are truly happy to give each other this "pat on the back" in the form of a cheer.  It's a great community building experience.

We play games throughout the day during our daily 5 and math workshop rotations.   Nothing gets a good laugh out of the kids more than a good game.  One game in particular my kiddos find hilarious is our sight word game "Back to the Hive".  In the game there are several "Back to the Hive" cards that when picked up force the player to put all their cards back.  When one of the kids draws this card they think it's hilarious.  I can always tell when this happens at the station because both players are laughing about it!   It so good to see the kids enjoying the game and being good sports about having to put all their cards back!  

It's the simple things that the kids enjoy and silly songs and hats are things I use to get the kids engaged or to get a good laugh from them.  It always amazes me how something so small can be so exciting to the kids.  

What I'd Like to Try: 

I'd like to try telling more jokes and more specifically having the kids tell their own jokes or jokes that they know.  One thing we all know about kids is that they love sharing times in our rooms and this would be a great way for the kids to share throughout the day.  

I also love the idea of incorporating cartoons into lessons as well as just for fun.  Kids love cartoons.  They're often engaging and I'm sure the kids would love to see them used in school.   

Be sure to check out One Extra Degree to see all the amazing ideas others are blogging about!