[Jenee]

I’ve used humor with activities. Such as let’s draw funny characters and tell the class a funny story about your character. We had lots a laughs with our 4 year olds. They are pretty creative.

[Valerie Hamilton]

I love doing silly stories at times and adding some humor into a serious question or response. There was a book that was called A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes or something like that – it’s fun sometimes to mix those up and create new versions, get some laughter but also make a learning moment from it.

[Trainer]

Great approach, Valerie! Adding humor to stories and mixing things up creates a fun, engaging atmosphere while turning laughter into valuable learning moments. It fosters a positive classroom environment!

[karah dykes-rankin]

A few times I participated in dress up with the students and put on a cruella wig….they thought that was pretty funny and it initiated more participation in the activity amongst the students just because I was being silly. I wore it around for awhile. It was great and a memorable moment.

[Blythe]

There was a time when one of my kids was upset and I started playing peekaboo with them and then all of the kids ended up coming over and started laughing with the child. It was very adorable!

[Katie]

I enjoy making circle time fun with lots of laughs. We usually incorporate the stand up sit down song and the kids are laughing so hard by the end of it.

[Samuel Rocha-Camarena]

When children are having a difficult time focusing on coming together after an activity or going outside, I bring human in the classroom to get the children laughing and focused.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Samuel! Using humor to refocus children is an effective strategy. Lighthearted moments not only enhance engagement but also foster a positive classroom atmosphere. Keep it up!

[Susie]

When its’s a rainy day and we can’t go outside, we have dance parties, and I dance with the kids and do funny moves and they try to copy and then they think it’s so funny! Then they want to do it again the next day! And they always light up and smile when I ask if we should have a dance party.

[Soledad Garcia]

Once a student fell down while running to catch up to a soccer ball. I ran to check on him, he was fine but felt very embarrassed. I got down on his level and let him know that i had just tripped the day before doing the same. I then got up and loudly said, “Remember when i fell down yesterday guys?” then i started laughing while helping him up. He smiled and chuckled then the game resumed.

[Trainer]

Soledad, your use of humor to connect with the student was insightful! By sharing your own experience, you created a supportive atmosphere that encouraged laughter and eased the child’s embarrassment. Great job!

[Chasity]

Humor helped on a day when the kids weren’t listening. We did going on a bear hunt, getting down on their level and being silly with it. They seemed to enjoy it and it reset the moment.

[Trainer]

Chasity, your use of humor to engage the children during the bear hunt is a fantastic example of building connections! It’s wonderful how lighthearted moments can transform the classroom atmosphere.

[Brenda Luft]

When I am reading a book and children start talking to their neighbor I will ask a silly question about a book. Which then redirects the child/children back on me and the story.

[Trainer]

Brenda, your use of humor to engage children during storytime is wonderful! It not only redirects their focus but also fosters a joyful atmosphere that enhances their listening skills. Great strategy!

[Mary Ellen Lago]

I was reading a book to the class and I made a mistake. I started to laugh and pointed out my mistake and called myself silly. All the kids laughed too and some that weren’t paying close attention actually stared paying attention more.

[Sara]

Whenever things start to get a little too chaotic in class, we will sometimes have a dance party. Some of the children’s favorite songs are silly like tooty ta and the goldfish song. Bringing in something silly, lightens the mood.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Sara! Incorporating dance and silly songs not only eases chaos but also fosters a joyful and connected classroom atmosphere. Keep up the wonderful work in creating those lighthearted moments!

[Amanda]

I think the easiest example is laughing and acknowledging when you make a mistake as a teacher so that you can model it for your students, when appropriate.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Amanda! Acknowledging mistakes with humor not only models resilience but also fosters a supportive environment where children feel safe to take risks and learn.

[Cyndi Jensen]

I like to keep it light and happy with our staff in the infant room when a spit up happens or a blowout or you spill something make light of it and carryon with encouragement and a smile

[Trainer]

Cyndi, your approach to maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere in the infant room is wonderful! Humor not only fosters resilience but also creates a supportive environment for both staff and children.

[sarah]

I am constantly dancing and being silly. All the kids watch and laugh!!

[Trainer]

Sarah, your use of dance and silliness is a fantastic way to connect with your students! It not only creates laughter but also fosters a joyful, engaging classroom atmosphere. Keep it up!