[Shannon]

Honestly I can’t think of a time of using humor. My class is quite young 2 -4 year olds. I usually try to follow their lead. If they think something is funny I laugh along with them. I don’t want to laugh at them – if they do or say something funny to me, but isn’t meant to be funny.The one area that I do have fun is with telling stories, whether reading a book or doing a puppet play. i like to use funny or dramatic voices.

[Katherine]

I find that saying things in an absurdly weird voice or singing instructions to my kids really brings their attention back to the lesson. Some even jump in to sing along or copy the funny voice, which gets more kids engaged and focused.

[Heather]

We had a student drop a magnetic tile creation as they were trying to move it, a quick “oops! Guess we’ll build it again!” helped the kiddo move on to rebuilding without getting too disappointed.

[Mary Kay Dabalos]

I get children to interact with me and the other children by breaking the ice and relating to them

[Katrina]

When I am guiding and art lesson I like to show the children what not to do so they can learn from my mistakes. I make ridiculous “mistakes” and they laugh and offer helpful suggestions that everyone can learn from.

[Trainer]

Katrina, your approach is fantastic! Using humor to demonstrate mistakes not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also encourages collaboration and creativity among the children. Keep it up!

[Lavanya]

I had a child who was very shy. First week hardly he said a word. One day while painting he put some paint on his face. Older kids started laughing at him. I went to that table and pretended by accident I put some paint on my face. Same kids laughed at me.and said I have paint on my face. I said really?they brought a mirror to show me. I laughed at myself. The shy child laughed with me .From that day he opened started talking with me.

[Trainer]

Lavanya, your use of humor to connect with the shy child is inspiring! It not only lightened the atmosphere but also built trust, encouraging him to engage more. Great job!

[Tanjla]

This morning, I had a kiddo looking for her stuffy and was sad, I had it in my hand and started talking super silly with it and she started laughing then continued making the same silly voice all morning with her stuffy, including all the other kiddos in on her laughter

[stephanie trader]

agree

[Trainer]

Thank you for your response, Stephanie! Humor truly fosters connection and positive energy in the classroom. It can transform the atmosphere, encouraging openness and engagement among students.

[Jennifer Yates]

My kids are infants so I play a lot of peekaboo. I also pretend to eat little fingers and toes while I’m smiling and laughing. The babies love it.

[Trainer]

Great job, Jennifer! Your use of peekaboo and playful interactions fosters a joyful atmosphere, helping infants feel secure and engaged. Humor truly strengthens connections at this developmental stage!

[Tiffany Lohman]

Humor has helped me everyday, for years. Its my favorite thing to resort to when a parent comes in and we are laughing about how chaotic the room is, asking them if their house is ever like this? Does it look familiar, always get a laugh ! 🙂

[Trainer]

Tiffany, your use of humor to connect with parents is wonderful! It not only lightens the mood but also builds a community. Such moments foster a positive classroom atmosphere for everyone.

[Nate]

I use humor daily. It starts with a Joke of the Day on the whiteboard. I recognize that I don’t know what happened at home prior to coming to school, so I use humor as a way to lighten the mood, focus on something that will make them smile, and catch them in a place of openness and ready to learn.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Nate! Your approach to using humor as a tool for connection and creating a positive atmosphere is commendable. It truly fosters openness and enhances the learning environment.

[Marnie mccabe]

I had a child who had a speech problem, could not say words right. one day he was very excited about a new toy he got and was trying to tell the class and myself all about but was having trouble speaking his word were not coming out right, some kids started to laugh but I immediately diffused the situation with humor. saying that I get just as excited. and I made the class go around and say what makes them get excited

[Trainer]

Marnie, your response beautifully illustrates the power of humor in creating a supportive environment. By embracing the child’s excitement and encouraging sharing, you fostered connection and empathy in your classroom. Great job!

[Frankie Webber]

I feel like I am always goofy and silly in my classes but serious when it’s necessary. I do dramatic voices when reading books

[Trainer]

Great job, Frankie! Your use of goofiness and dramatic voices not only makes reading engaging but also fosters a positive atmosphere where children feel comfortable and excited to learn. Keep it up!

[Shanice]

I love making jokes out of a time warning, like if we have two more minutes it usually means kids get upset and throw fits but when I say we have two more minutes can you show me your bunny ears like number two and hop around to all the kids and they have even started to show me their bunny ears on their head before I ask with a big smile on their faces because now it is a fun interaction at transition time!

[Trainer]

Your playful “bunny ears” strategy beautifully turns transitions into joyful moments, reducing stress and building positive connections while creating a fun, engaging classroom atmosphere for children.

[Crystal Williams]

One morning I told my students that I needed them to help me remember my colors. I told them to each tell me the color of their shoes. Finally when it was my turn. They notice that I had on the same shoe but in two different colors. ( I didn’t do it on purpose). They all noticed and laughed. I laughed really hard because. I didn’t realize I had worn two different color shoes. ***At the time I was a mother of five small children and getting out the door most morning was miraculous.

[Trainer]

Crystal, your story beautifully illustrates how humor can create a joyful and relatable classroom environment. Sharing your authentic moment not only connected you with the students but also fostered a sense of community. Great job!