1st Edition
The Brain that Loves to Laugh A Visual Guide to Hope, Humour and Human Connection in Early Childhood
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
Biography
Dr Jacqueline Harding is Director of Tomorrow’s 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 children’s TV production.
"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 child’s 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
