Director's Column: Knock, Knock!
This week, I was having lunch with the extended day group, and they began to tell knock-knock jokes. One thing I love about children is that they are naturally funny…except when they are trying to be funny. If you have ever sat through a week of snack time listening to children, who don’t understand knock-knock jokes, telling knock-knock jokes, you know what I mean. However, if you sit through a week of snack time just listening to children talk, they can be hysterically funny.
I can’t count how many times a day I laugh at something a child says or does. Preschoolers do not have much of a filter; they will say out loud whatever thought happens to pop into their heads. When you reward them with a smile or laugh, they absolutely love it.
Although it wasn’t part of the job description, one of the important qualities that all of our teachers possess is a sense of humor. When they laugh in the classroom, it contributes to a fun, positive atmosphere. It teaches children not to take themselves so seriously, to lighten up and enjoy themselves. It can often diffuse a difficult moment. After doing a little research, I’ve learned that there are other benefits to laughing:
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces stress hormone levels
A fun ab workout!
Improves cardiac health
Boosts T-cells
Triggers the release of endorphins
Produces a general sense of well-being
So, in the spirit of laughter, I leave you with my favorite kids joke:
How do you make a tissue dance?
Put a little boogie in it!
Best, Nina