Humour in a holistic learning process of in a preschool setting. Unique soft toys and stories inspired and further developed by children’s sense of humour

Abstract

<p>This study aims to examine the learning outcomes among preschool children of a holistic artsbased<br />learning process in which humour was the core theme. The study involved 17<br />preschoolers, who were given the task of working both collaboratively and individually and<br />designing a soft toy supported by a story that would make other people laugh. The results<br />suggested that humour and a variety of activities make an inspiring formula for holistic artsbased<br />learning. Humour, in the case of the children’s activities, meant creating incongruence<br />and surprise. The soft toys the children created were funny, well-meaning characters with<br />comical features. Children seemed to recognize the significance of cheering other people up;<br />in this respect, girls were more product-oriented than boys. Craft-making with the ingredient<br />of humour motivated the children and gave them story ideas. Additionally, the stories<br />highlighted the meaningfulness of the soft toys to the children. The collaborative phases of the<br />learning process helped children to come up with ideas for their story, as well as get feedback<br />on these ideas. The individual phases, on the other hand, gave the children enhanced<br />opportunities to express their own ideas.<br /></p>