Habits of the Mind can be non-cognitive skills that young people
need to develop if they are to grow up to be effective and successful as
adults. Habits of the Mind provide a foundation for the Common Core and
can be developed by all youth. Just like you need to exercise to
strengthen your physical muscles, you need to exercise your “habits of the mind
muscles” for them to become strong. Thinking critically is bolstered by
being able to apply different combinations of these habits so you can ensure
success.
This month we would like to take a look at one of the sixteen
identified habits: finding humor. Finding humor has been described
in this way: “Laugh a little! Find the whimsical, incongruous and
unexpected. Be able to laugh at yourself.”
There are two sayings about humor that speak in opposites:
“Sometimes we laugh to keep from crying, sometimes we smile to keep from
frowning.” Whether we smile or laugh, finding the humor in situations we
are in is often a necessary part of moving on. We take ourselves so
seriously that making a mistake seems unforgivable. We chastise
ourselves for not having anticipated what would happen, or being prepared to
handle every situation perfectly. When each of us can find the humor in
situations, and each can laugh at him/herself, we give ourselves permission to
be human, to be fallible. We must know full well that making an error in
judgment or a mistake is not unpardonable, because as we know this as adults,
we give permission to the youth we work with to make mistakes as well.
Humor is a great stress reliever and while sometimes we laugh to keep from
crying, we can also laugh until we cry. Either way, finding the humor in
situations is a key to building and maintaining the ability to persevere, even
when things look the darkest.
In what ways do you find humor in your daily work with
youth? What makes you laugh and not take yourself so seriously?
Share your humorous experiences with us so we can share them with others.
Truly, laughter can be the best medicine. You can reach us at support@consultfourkids.com
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