Laughter For Learning & Wellbeing: KS2-5

Service Description

Laughter has a considerable impact on the brain. Evidence shows that laughter can reduce anxiety, improve comprehension, attention, retention and performance in tests. It can build resilience and calmness under pressure by creating emotional distance. Studies show that laughter can improve physical health, mental function, energy, memory and alertness. It also reduces stress and provides an emotional release, resulting in better wellbeing and mindfulness. Laughter improves teamwork, builds trust, resolves conflict and strengthens relationships with others. The areas of the brain that laughter affects means that greater creativity, divergent thinking and problem solving skills are evident in those who laugh more. Introducing more laughter into lessons creates a more positive attitude to learning. It helps tackle disaffection and increases engagement. Mental health issues affecting young people are on the increase. The causes are wide ranging and complex however it is resulting in increased numbers requiring mental health treatment. In this workshop, we provide pupils with a greater awareness of mindfulness, and how our decisions, thoughts, feelings and activities chemically impact on our mental and physical health. They will learn strategies for managing anxiety related to the classroom or exams and create new triggers for counteracting stress and negative mood. This could have a marked impact on not only their health and lifestyle but also (as numerous studies show) their effort and attainment at school. The workshop is ideal for whole classes or specifically identified groups of students - e.g., disaffected, exam groups, vulnerable, SEN, high absentees, under-performers, or any other groups of pupils who you believe would benefit from this workshop. The session is delivered by a fully qualified and accredited (enhanced DBS checked) laughter therapist, who is an experienced lead practitioner, primary and secondary schools teacher trainer and former Advanced Skills Teacher with over 20 years experience. **In order for this workshop to be most effective, we advise a limit of 32 students per session. Double and triple workshops can be booked for multiple groups across a single day. Please contact us with your requirements and we will provide you with a customised quote which best caters for your needs **