"How to Books" to Nurture Your Child's Sense of Humor
Kids Who Laugh: How to Develop Your Child's Sense of Humor
Instilling the Gift of Laughter as a Lifetime Tool for Success by Louis R. Franzini, Ph.D. A reviewer writes:
"Kids Who Laugh is a very informative, enjoyable and worthwhile book. I believe that one of the most important gifts I can give to my children is the gift of a sense of humor. Dr. Franzini, with his insightful text and helpful techniques, helps a parent achieve this goal. Dr. Franzini makes a convincing argument that a sense of humor is a learned trait and, after reading this book, I agree. Even if you already have a well developed sense of humor, this book helps you transfer that trait to your children."
Humor, Play & Laughter:
Stress-Proofing Life with Your Kids
by Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D. A reviewer writes:
"Though childless, I found Dr. Joseph Michelli's book "Humor, Play & Laughter" a highly entertaining read. I was particulary impressed with the "Activities" sections, which lacked the boring exercises found in other such books, replacing them with humor and joy. Dr. Michelli possess a fantastic sense of humor and fun - and nowhere does this stand out more than in the Chapters themselves. His treatment and respect for children as little people was very moving. The book kept me rolling. A reading MUST for caring parents, and those working with children."
Understanding and Promoting the Development of Children's Humor
by Paul McGhee, Phd. Kendall/Hunt, 2002.
Understanding and Promoting the Development of Children's Humor is designed to give parents and teachers a better understanding of children's humor. The book first discusses the many intellectual, social, emotional and health benefits received from the play, humor and laughter that all children show. It then gives a detailed presentation of basic developmental changes in children's humor from infancy through elementary school. A final chapter shows parents and teachers how to nurture and strengthen children's humor skills.
The companion book, Stumble Bees and Pelephones, is geared to kids between first grade and junior high school and designed to improve verbal humor skills at an age where kids are highly motivated to learn jokes and riddles. The book consists of riddles and jokes with a key part of the punch line missing. Three clues are provided to guide the child's thinking in the right direction and the child must use the information given in each clue to create a funny punch line. Three levels of riddle difficulty are provided, and answers are given at the end of each section - although, a different answer from the child may be just as good as the one provided.
How to Be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World
(or just in your class) by Jay Leno from a reader
As an author, it frustrates me that my third-grade son HATES to read! This book, however, is different. He's having fun, becoming more outgoing and reading without even feeling as if he's doing homework. (His class has to read 400 minutes per month.) Love it! Buy it for your kids who struggle with reading. Julie Clark Robinson, author of Live in the Moment
