Magical Management in the Classroom: Using Humor to Speak Their Language

(Paperback)

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Description

The organizing and management of your classroom at school can be very daunting, and depending upon your comfort level, a little scary! Children often can be a real challenge in teaching if you do not speak their language. We as teachers and parents need not to be afraid in acting a little silly, and even goofy when dealing with children. Research shows that humor promotes learning and when used appropriately, it can strengthen relationships of all shapes and sizes. Administrators, teachers, and parents who are dedicated to the best interests, social development, and academic success of their children can accomplish great things by using a wide variety of creatively humorous approaches, including rhymes, chants, riddles, nonsensical speech, jokes, banter, anecdotes, games, and even self-effacing commentary, to make valuable connections and enhance learning.

Reviews

Humor liberates the 'playful child' in all of us, but in Linda Gilliam's classroom it helps her students to be themselves; it engages their emotions, adds spontaneity to lessons, helps kids enjoy each other, and creates a classroom atmosphere that makes learning MORE fun! From years of successful teaching, Linda Gilliam has a finely honed talent for using this social tool
to maintain joyous interactions that her former students never forget, and by easily retaining her poems, songs, and learning chants. We all know that when kids are having a good time, they will remember the skills more. Linda Gilliam's second book, Magical Management in the Classroom: Using Humor to Speak their Language, will be a much needed tool for teachers and administrators!

-- Barb Mercer, retired Literacy Curriculum Coordinator for Vancouver Schools
Magical Management in the Classroom: Using Humor to Speak their Language, by Linda Marie Gilliam, is an excellent book and resource for working with all ages and levels of academic development. I have taught over 25 years in both elementary, and higher level education, all over the world. Humor seems to be a "universally effective tool" to use to diffuse anger, boredom, and stress with all children... regardless of their gender or age! I would love to have had this book during my teaching years, for guidance with ways to bring more laughter and relaxation into the classroom! What a fun way to connect with your students and parents. In my opinion, even parents and administrators, should use the simple strategies found in this book, for greater success. -- Theresa Hendrick, Head Teacher of English Department, Hong Kong International School
When professionals discuss 'Best Practices' in the field of teaching, one of the greatest approaches taken with students in regard to social/emotional development is successful immediacy. It is critical for teachers to look for ways to close the perceived teacher/student gap through the use of humor. Teacher immediacy is proven to foster a trusting environment for their students. Ms. Gilliam offers her great and well-tested experiences, which closes that perceived gap, by using humor in the classroom. Her techniques and suggested strategies using humor with children in the classroom sets the stage for a fun learning experience and positive outcomes. Every teacher can definitely benefit from infusing humor strategically and creatively in the classroom setting. -- Barb Blakeslee, Special Education Teacher

Author Bio

Linda Marie Gilliam has been a teacher for over 40 years. She currently resides in Portland, OR.