Quote--Leo Buscaglia

"It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them."

Leo Buscaglia

Please share one of your favorite quotes.

Benefits of a Laughing Classroom

Assignment

• Look at the major benefits to laughter and play in your classroom from page 33:
• maintain a high attention level
• relieve physical and mental stress
• build rapport
• increase retention
• enhance self-esteem
• promote divergent thinking
• bring new insights
• allow for pleasurable learning
• increase feeling of hope
  Wow! Huge benefits!

• Take "The Laughing Classroom Quiz on pages 34-35.
  
• Please post thoughts and AHAS from the reading in The Laughing Classroom so far.
  

Ideas: (Remember these are just guidelines--all of the following do not have to be answered)

• Any questions from the page 24 Play Sheet.
• Paula Parrot and the Carrot--What makes you feel alive and what does this story have to do with education (pg. 29-31)
• Discuss your Gratitude and Humor Journal entries and how they have influenced your lives.
• Your scores on the Laughing Classroom Quiz (Reflections...)

Humor Styles Pg13- 19

"Humor can act as a social lubricant or a social retardant in the educational setting. It can educate or denigrate, heal or harm, embrace or deface. It's a powerful communication tool, no matter which side is chosen."

(Pg. 14 The Laughing Classroom)

Joy Master vs. Joke Maker vs. Life Mocker vs. Fun Meister

It is crucial for us to identify our humor style--it is such a powerful tool--we need to use it in an empowering manner!

Please discuss ways we can utilize this information to make our classrooms, colleagues, and schools better. Does your humor style bring you closer to your students? Does it enliven them or deaden them? Is it helping you reach your teaching goals? Is it enhancing and promoting a learning environment in your classroom?

Welcome!

Welcome Everybody. I appreciate the patience with the late start--below you will find the assignment reminder. If you have any questions please contact me via email or phone.
I look forward to having you in this class.

Laugh Often and Enjoy Your Weekend!
Dan Slowey

Assignment Reminder

I. Personal Humor and Gratitude Journal 30%

II. On-line Article Reviews, Discussions and Reflections 40%

III. Humor Classroom Integration Project 30%

Please see syllabus for details.


All Assignments and Chat Board Replies are due by December 2nd, 2006

"FUN-damental" Attitude

"Wise Teachers Make Learning A Joy"

-Chinese Proverb

Assignments for this week:

• For this week read the introduction and through page 11 of the text.
• Please reflect on any ahas or main points on this weeks readings.
• Share what you are already doing in your classrooms or daily lives that foster a "Fun-damental" Attitude.
• After going over the Pop Quiz on pages 10 and 11 reflect on your personal results.

Click on comments to add your thoughts, feelings and ideas

Introductions

Introductions--Fun In The Classroom

Please introduce yourself to the rest of the class by answering the following questions:

1) Your Name

2) School/City

3) Grade level and subject that you teach

4) What hobbies do you have that create laughter and joy in your life

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