Importance of Laughter in the Classroom

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 119:24

Take a moment to remember those sweet little preschool smiles. You know the ones that make everyone else in the room smile. And what about those silly, little giggles, and belly laughs that pop out throughout the preschool day. These are so special. They heal, they connect, they enhance learning, and they are a sign of a loving, warm school environment.

According to the John Hopkins Medical Journal, research shows that children laugh between 300-400 times a day, while adults laugh 15-17 times a day. We should all learn from our preschoolers about the benefits that laughter can bring to our day.

We know that laughter relieves the stress and tension in the room. We can feel the environment change when laughter or humor is introduced. Teachers know if we can get a smile from our children, our day is going to go well. Laughter throughout the day helps boost morale and create joy and peace in our day.

Our teachers are always looking for ways to create a positive environment in their classrooms. According to Rosemarie Foote, Ph.D., advisor to BrainPOP, the simple act of purposeful laughter in the classroom can help teachers build connections with students and between students, create a space for new ideas and positive ways of learning, increase student motivation, and help learning stick in long term memory. Like we always say in preschool, "it's not what we do with the children that matters, it's that lasting impression of how we make them feel". Our hope is that they are filled with joy, peace and a love of learning that will extend beyond their preschool years.

Try some of these things to get yourself smiling and giggling throughout the day!

*Singing (the sillier the song the better)

*Start you day off with a joke or funny story.

*Telling Dad jokes. They always get a giggle.

*Making wacky faces in a mirror or to cheer a friend up.

*Dance off.

*Share humorous videos. Play excepts from the Funniest Kid Comedians

*Add a Humor of the Day section in your staff lounge for people to post funny jokes, cartoons or memes.

*Try Laughter Yoga - Did you know this was even a thing?

Our wish for you is that you are able to incorporate laughter into your day. May you share this laughter with your children, your families, and your colleagues. Go into the world spreading joy and laughter.

A cheerful heart is good medicine....Proverbs 17:22