Positive vs. Negative Humor: An SEL Lesson for Grade 1

Humor has an incredible ability to transform how one interacts with others, and it plays a vital role in treating others the way one likes to be treated. A positive sense of humor can create a social environment that is both uplifting and inclusive, promoting lightheartedness and diffusing tension. When humor is used in a way that values and includes others, it fosters camaraderie and makes people feel comfortable and accepted.

One of the remarkable aspects of humor is its capacity to promote empathy and understanding. Humor involves perspective-taking, allowing us to step into someone else's shoes and see the world differently. It enables us to recognize the absurdities of life and find common ground with others. By using humor appropriately and positively, individuals can break down barriers and create connections, forming the basis for treating others with mutual respect and consideration.

In this SEL lesson, students learn the concept of positive and negative laughter. Positive laughter brings joy and spreads positivity. It enables individuals to laugh at their mistakes, turning them into amusing anecdotes to share with friends. On the other hand, negative laughter involves making fun of someone, intending to cause harm or make them feel bad. Bullies often resort to negative laughter as a means of exerting power and belittling others.

To cultivate a culture of empathy and inclusivity, the teacher guides students toward the positive action of using more positive laughter and avoiding negative laughter. By recognizing the distinction between the two, students gain a deeper understanding of the impact their humor can have on others. They learn that positive laughter has the potential to strengthen relationships, while negative laughter can be hurtful and divisive.

In an interactive SEL activity, students practice distinguishing between positive and negative humor. The teacher presents various situations and asks the students to smile if it exemplifies positive humor or frown if it represents negative humor. This exercise encourages critical thinking and helps students become more aware of the impact of their laughter on others.

Toward the end of the lesson, students take on the opportunity to share jokes in a safe, respectful, and fun classroom environment. Through this exercise, they learn to distinguish between humor that uplifts and humor that demeans. This helps them gain insight into the implications of their language and recognize the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.

Using humor shouldn’t be taken lightly. It has the power to either hurt or to heal, to create openings or build walls. This SEL lesson helps students become more mindful and deliberate in their use of humor to promote understanding, empathy, and connection. Ultimately, it’s about using laughter as a force for good and making the world a happier, more inclusive place.