Social and Emotional

Pirate Fun Activities For Kids #17: Jokes

2013/08/20 admin Leave a comment

Knock, knock: Today’s kindergarten readiness fun and learning activity is brought to you by pirate jokes. There are many pirate kids’ jokes and a sense of humor is a skill that develops.

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting parrot.
Interru…
Squawkkkkkk!

Humor is much more than a reaction to a funny event, it is really a series of complex thinking processes. Children first need to notice what is happening and recognize that it is not usual or normal. In order to respond on an emotional level, kids have to figure out if this unusual situation is funny or not. Then, children need to match their feelings to their behavior, either laughing or displaying another reaction. That’s several things that all need to be connected.

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting pirate.
Interru…
Arrrrr!

Have you ever listened to kids telling jokes? They do not always get the right punch line, because they are still figuring out the connections and developing their sense of humor. To make it even more complicated, the intention underlying a joke is not stated, only hinted at. For instance, when a parent tells a child “I”m a fierce pirate and I’m going to chase you and get you to be my prisoner,” that is what we would consider a joke. A child needs to be aware that the words, no matter how fierce they sound, do not match the intention, which is to play a game. In order to have the appropriate emotional response, which would be squealing, laughing, and running away while trying to get caught at the same time for the tickle and hug, the child needs to understand the situation on several levels. To do this takes practice. Even adults sometimes make mistakes when it comes to humor and jokes.

Dig up a treasure of pirate jokes and share them with your child.
(And with me in the comments!) Knock, knock. Who’s there?

Social and Emotional

Go Fly A Kite for Summer Fun & Kindergarten Readiness

2013/07/13 admin Leave a comment

Flying a kite is an exciting activity that takes fun, learning, and kindergarten readiness to a new height. Every weekend in the summer, when there is enough wind in our area, there are kids and grownups out flying kites. Somehow, it never loses its magic, and the tug of the soaring kite is especially wonderful for a child.

When it comes to kindergarten readiness, most people usually think in terms of academics but the need to feel safe and secure is a priority for a child. Part of that feeling comes from trying new challenges and being successful. Flying a kite is not easy. There may not be enough wind, or it may be too strong. The string can get tangled, or the kite can get caught in a tree. But when the kite finally does get up and stays up there is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. The whole body gets to enjoy the sensation because the eyes see the kite up high and the string tugs against the hands and arms.

Recently, when Big Sister who is almost five years old, was watching some grownups with kites, she saw some great big multicolored ones that twirled round and round. She also heard one that made a noise. This one in particular held her attention. Gathering her courage, she asked if she could tell the man that she liked his kite. This was certainly outside her comfort zone, talking to some one unfamiliar. Of course, her daddy went with her and she held his hand tightly as she told the man she liked the kite. Watching the kites flying may have helped her test her wings and now she has extended the space where she feels safe and secure.

Thankfully, there are some easy kites for kids to fly and a quick look online will bring up some ideas for inexpensive ones to make at home. Does this sound like an activity that can be both challenging and successful for your child?