I love making kids laugh, because it shows them that you care about them and want the best for them. It transforms the way they look at you.
Over my first couple of months at Brevard Academy, I have developed a few games with several students. One of them is with “Claire.” Every time I see her, I freeze in the hallway, and every time she laughs. It never fails. Then later, when I am helping her in class, she easily listens to me and is receptive to assistance, and it has helped her in STEM class.
Another example is in after-school. A group of kids call me “Mr. Pancake” as a joke because during school I am referred to as “Mr. Waffle.” Whenever they call me Mr. Pancake during after-school, I pretend to get mad and chase them. I scream “IIII HHHATTE PANNNNNNKCAAAKKES!!!!” The kids eat this up. It exhausts me, but I can’t let them down.
They quake with laughter and even scream, they get so excited. Which again helps me assist the kids during school with STEM projects and even social issues when they have trouble regulating. They listen to me when I help them calm down. I think some of the reason why is that me being silly with them represents me coming down to their level, instead of always talking down to them.
When I am exhausted or not feeling well, those little games with these kids keep me going, as it helps me just as much as it helps them.
Making kids laugh has been a massive part of the impact I have made with AmeriCorps.
