7/27/2023 0 Comments Brain pop with tim and mobyHumor is one of many ways BrainPOP creates a learning environment that invites students to explore their world. They have to feel safe and feel that they can trust you.” “So much has to be in place to make a kid laugh. Today a team of writers and designers contribute collectively to the distinctive humor teachers and kids have come to expect, which “primes the class for laughter and joy” so learning happens. He says the first 30 or so movies reflect his own sense of humor. Watanabe joined BrainPOP more than 24 years ago after drawing Moby on the back of his resume, and began creating movies with Founder Dr. “Kids pay attention because they don’t know what to expect.” He is just as curious as the kids, and loves a good joke-making every topic they learn together relatable and approachable. Mike Watanabe, chief creative officer at BrainPOP (and voice of Tim) says there is a consistent playful thread that runs through every movie, which revolves around Moby, the beloved orange robot. ![]() “If you can get them to laugh, even just crack a smile, you know that we’re on the right track… and you’ve lightened their day a little bit.” In her experience, humor builds trust and shows a vulnerability that makes students feel connected and seen. She also emphasizes that humor in the classroom is not about cracking jokes-it’s about how you make students feel. She appreciates that humor is a core content principle BrainPOP employs to infuse rigorous learning with joy. Julie Kuzma, instructional facilitator of technology at Loudoun County Public Schools, agrees. And it really drives the point home with humor.” Teaching with humor and building trust “BrainPOP uses language that students can understand. Foote notes that humor is a balancing act, and BrainPOP can help teachers create an appropriate balance because the movies and learning activities support any curriculum in a dynamic and kid-friendly way. Humor can be leveraged to make learning more salient by striking a chord that helps material and concepts go into long-term memory.ĭr. They inspire students to be excited to go to school every morning and apply their best effort throughout the day. Humorous and playful teachers are magnetic. Once any barriers are broken down with humor, students are more relaxed, engaged, and receptive to learn new things. Humor helps students see the “humanness” of teachers, making them more relatable and accessible. Rosemarie Foote, Ph.D, an early intervention school psychologist and a mental health advisor to BrainPOP, shared why “humor puts students in an optimal state for learning.” It sets many benefits in motion, including: Building connection The findings indicate that overall performance was enhanced when using humor in the classroom, with a particular advantage for concepts tested at the comprehension level of assessment.” Reaping academic and interpersonal benefits Indeed, a study published in the Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning concluded that “… the use of humor is cognitively beneficial in the classroom. ![]() “When we laugh, our brains release feel-good chemicals that enhance attention, memory, and creativity… making it easier for the brain to soak up knowledge and make meaningful connections that drive learning outcomes.” Humor is an essential part of learning according to Barbara Hubert, Ph.D., senior director of learning design at BrainPOP. For many, the teacher who infused your days at school with humor and playfulness had a lifelong impact. Chances are, the one that made you smile or laugh comes to mind. Take a moment to think about your favorite teacher growing up. Teaching Strategies Humor in the Classroom: The Serious Benefits
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