This captivating visual book provides an accessible introduction to how laughter affects the holistic development and wellbeing of children from birth to five years. Written by a leading expert, it explores how the developing brain responds to laughter and love arguing for an approach to early years education and care that is based on the best scientific evidence and celebrates curiosity, laughter and self-chosen learning pathways.
Snapshots of real scenarios with babies and young children laughing and learning in real homes and settings is the starting point for this unique book. Supported by images and links to film clips on the accompanying website, these cameos drive the narrative and enable readers to link theory to practice with ease. Chapters focus on different ages and stages of development and include clear explanations of what is happening in the body and brain at each "stage," revealing the richness of the opportunities on offer and the adult’s role in facilitating it.
With opportunities to dig deeper, full-colour photographs, and a fully integrated companion website, The Brain that Loves to Laugh is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners and all those with an interest in neuroscience and child development.
This captivating book provides an introduction to how laughter affects thedevelopment and wellbeing of children from birth to five years. Written by an expert, it explores how the developing brain responds to laughter and argues for an approach to early years education that celebrates curiosity and self-chosen learning pathways.
Arvustused
"This uplifting book will transform the way you think about laughter, joy and humour in your Early Years settings and schools to improve authentic connection, social communication, learning and teaching. Dr Harding makes a powerful case for all adults to both see the childs world through their eyes and then join them in using humour to learn, reduce stress and build positive attitudes to learning and life. An essential, profound and inspired book written for everyone who is seeking less stress and more joy in the education of young children." - Kathy Brodie, Founder of Early Years TV
Part 1: The science of laughter. Really?
1. Juggling the theories
2. The
look and sound of brains whriling around in hope, humour and human connection
3. Looking after little brains: Why hope, humour and human connection matters
4. Human connection: Getting in sync
5. The five 'C's of humour: Categories,
contagion, content, curiosity and creativity Part 2: Health, Happiness and
being human?
6. Humanity in progress
7. Human connection: Creating a culture
of inclusivity
8. Being human is being real Part 3: Learning and laughter are
happy companions: Perhaps humour is the brain's best kept secret?
9. Emotions
and cognition are partners
10. The missing link of memorable moments
11. A
creative leap: Hope strings eternal
12. How do you know that you know?
13.
Time for change: Make way for Hope, Humour and Human connection! Part 4:
Development
14. Birth to 12 months: Let the fun begin...
15. One to three
years: Laughing all the way to learning
16. Three to five years: Playful
pedagogy wins out
17. Five to seven years plus: Brains love to play Part 5:
Real life
18. Joy: Just one of you
19. The Language of Hope: Essex case study
20. The Last Laugh: Summing up the book, research and findings
Dr Jacqueline Harding is Director of Tomorrows Child and a visiting research fellow at Middlesex University. She is an internationally acclaimed child development expert with experience as a BBC education editor, headteacher, government consultant, and author of numerous books for and about children. Jacqueline also works in childrens TV production.
