Humor and Health

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . .

Humor can be a very therapeutic survival aid for teachers as the school year draws to a close.  After many seasons in the classroom, I have found that a pair of sensible shoes and a sense of humor can help me get through the roughest of days.  Research shows that humor relieves tension, fights stress, and stimulates your immune system.  The simple act of laughing helps you cope with the craziness of the day and is even considered to be an aerobic activity.

Here are a few stories that will add a smile to your day and make you burn a few calories:

From Wendy Willis of Naples, Florida 

Performing Mozart should have been the highlight of my middle school chorus class.  But after a few uninspired attempts, an exasperated student raised her hand and said, “Mrs. Willis, we want to sing music from our generation, not yours.”     

From Cathleen Draper of Edmonds, Washington

To my German-language students, I’m “Frau Draper.”  One girl gave me a pin she’d made with my name on it.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t big enough to include my entire name, which meant that she presented me with a badge that read FRAUD.      

From Larry Timmons of Surprise, Arizona

I recently asked a student where his homework was.  He replied, “It’s still in my pencil.”     

From Elizabeth Webber of Prospect Park, Pennsylvania

“Don’t do that,”  I said to one of my first graders when he playfully draped a dollar bill over his eyes.  “Money is full of germs.”      

“It is?”  he asked.        

“Yes, it is very dirty.”            

He thought a moment.  “Is that why they call people who have a lot of it filthy rich?”             

Here is one from my own classroom:

While telling a story to my kindergartners, I was excited that I had captured the attention of one who was rarely attentive or still.  The more animated I became, the more focused she became.  When I finished the story, her hand shot up.  Thrilled to see her interest, I called on her.  

With a huge smile she asked, “How do you get the lines on your face to do that?”    

My answer, “Years of practice.”

Over the next few days, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile.  Humor is great therapy!

*  Stories came from Readers’ Digest Magazine, March 2015       http://www.rd.com/funny-stuff/funny-teacher-stories/