The class clown doesn’t get the credit he or she deserves. Studies show the link between laughter and learning. When we laugh, we have a dopamine release that links to both motor and motivational functions in a stimulus-response-reward cycle. In other words, laughter sparks learning by releasing dopamine, which boosts attention, mood and motivation which in turn elevates emotional responses and learning to repeat that cycle.
The response of laughter is spontaneous and effervescent and makes us feel good. When we laugh, not only are we engaging in a learning loop, we are also connecting with another and building a shared experience.
Besides being spontaneous, laughter is an intention or a mindset. We can proactively use humor and laughter as an environmental element to accelerate learning.
Life is tough. Conflict is inevitable along with interruptions and disappointments. Parenting and facilitating your children’s education is hard. Learning doesn’t happen under stress; therefore, laughter can be a change agent for the negative energy that happens to all of us. Learn to make laughter a mindset you can employ when the situation with your kids intensifies.
I don’t know about you, but I love a good list of practical applications I can refer to in a pinch to pull from when I need it. Bookmark or pin this post and pull it out the next time you want to reset your learning environment with laughter.
Redirect energy in your house with these laughter sparks learning prompts:
- Flash dance party
- Pillow fight
- Silliest face competition
- Blow bubbles with a straw
- Skip our next lesson, play hooky
- Head to the park, outside
- Pick up a ball
- Play a game instead of a subject
- Laugh out loud for one minute
- Insert riddles or jokes into your morning time
- Swap a mad lib for a writing assignment
These are often game changers. Their spontaneity leads to laughter and breaks the negativity to help everyone connect and reset. Want some other ideas for fostering a rich environment for learning and relationship? Check out our 6 steps to solve spring fever.
