The Little Book of Laughter: Using humour as a tool to engage and motivate all learners (The Little Books) - Hardcover

Reviewed by Professor Marion Wynne-Davies, School of English and Languages, University of Surrey Dave Keeling takes the old saying 'Make 'em laugh, make 'em think' and transforms it into a clear, informative and enjoyable guide that shows teachers of all age ranges how to use humour in education. The Little Book of Laughter combines analysis of different forms of comedy with a handy DIY guide as well as providing a series of 'seriously funny' jokes that will make both teachers and pupils laugh aloud. Reviewed by Dean Goddard, Deputy Head Teacher, St Martin's School, Brentwood, Essex David Keeling is the Patch Adams of education. As the pressure and accountability on schools and teachers continue to rise this book represents a much needed reality check on what schools, childhood and growing up is all about. Reviewed by Dr Katharine Low, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama Dave Keeling's 'The Little Book of Laughter' is a delightful book that concisely brings together some of the key ideas and facts about the impact of laughter on a person in order to make the case for the use of humour in an educational setting. Keeling engages with a range of different perspectives on humour, from the scientific views on the impact of laughter and our brain's processing of humour, to the use of improvisational theatre techniques, and offers a resounding argument for incorporating play and laughter into the classroom. Indeed, it is an engaging read, full of comic examples and interludes, which Keeling then takes care to unpack. Indeed, through his humorous and engaging writing, Keeling is modelling his suggested practice for the reader. Keeling offers a useful distinction between laughter and humour, and the discussion on humour as a way of seeing and processing the world, as a cognitive process, is particularly relevant for the reader and he makes a strong case for the inclusion of humour in learning, emphasising its essential role as a communicat

This book includes a brief history of laughter, gives you the rules of Funny and explains why having a laugh should be in your job description. Included are exercises to encourage laughter and techniques that will create an environment that is linked to encouraging andimproving learning as well as a whole load of comical comments, quotes and, of course, gags.