The document provides an overview of guided laughter sessions at Elma Elementary. It discusses the philosophy behind laughter yoga and how it is not religiously affiliated. It outlines how laughter yoga can fulfill physical education requirements. Examples of laughter themes are provided, such as animals, holidays, and life scenarios. Guidance is given on when and how to incorporate laughter yoga, including warm-ups, call and response exercises, and using signals to transition. Potential benefits are listed such as stress reduction and motivation. Contraindications for certain medical conditions are also mentioned.

1. Guided Laughter
Justin B. Wright, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader
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2. ~ Please share a word or phrase on these 3 topics ~
Laughter is: (Give a Definition, Synonym, Value, etc.)
Laughter can: (Give an example)
Laughter in Elma Elementary should: (Dream BIG!)
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3. Philosophy
The Sanskrit word Yoga has the literal meaning “Yoke”. The
root yuj means: to join, to unite, to attach, to get hold of, to
integrate, or to harmonize.
Laughter Yoga can be a physical, mental, and/or spiritual
discipline.
Laughter Yoga is not a form of Hinduism. If I ask you to laugh
like a chicken I am not advocating that you believe in
reincarnation. Laughter Yoga helps us integrate laughter into
our life.
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4. Washington State K-12 Health & Fitness
Learning Standards
WAC 392-420-135 >
RCW 28A.230.040
An average of at least 100
instructional minutes per
week shall be required of
all pupils
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5. Laughter Yoga as PE?
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6. Health & Fitness EALRs
EALR 1 captures movement, physical fitness, and
nutrition
EALR 2 recognizes dimensions of health, stages of
growth and development, reduces health risks, and
promotes safe living
EALR 3 analyzes and evaluates the impact of real-life
influences on health
EALR 4 analyzes personal information to develop an
individualized fitness plan
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7. Discipline
What’s the Problem?
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8. Laughter is an extension of our voice
Laughter can communicate via tone, volume, rhythm
Laughter can be soothing or agitating, helpful or
harmful
Appropriate and healthy laughter increases social
skills, emotional intelligence, and positive
relationships
A culture of healthy laughter reduces the incidence of
bullying, teasing, and harassing
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9. Assumptions
Laughter is fun
Laughter is healthy
Laughter is contagious
Laughter is easiest with friends
Laughter can be produced deliberately without comedy
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10. When to use Laughter Yoga
• Beginning of the day – to energize
• Lining up – to signal transitions
• PE – to achieve a full aerobic workout
• Music – to exercise the voice
• Library – to excise the voice ;)
• Assembly – to create a generous audience
• Prior to MSP, DIBELS, etc. – to ease test anxiety
• In class – as a celebration of achievements or
mistakes 10

11. CONTRAINDICATIONS
When in doubt consult your physician
As with any aerobic activity, use precaution
Recent surgery (last 3 months)
Pregnancy
Major psychiatric disorders
Hernia
Heart Disease
Epilepsy
Urinary incontinence
Bleeding piles
Persistent cough
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12. Benefits
increased energy levels
a rapid decrease of stress levels and better ability to deal
with stress
improved commitment and motivation
increased performance, efficiency, innovation and
problem solving abilities
stronger team spirit
reduced absenteeism and improved health
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13. How-To
Be Willing to Laugh
Attitude of Playfulness
Warm-Up Stretches
Call & Response
Signal to Break [VG,VG, Y!x2 or HH/HHHx3]
Eye Contact
Mingle
‘Yogic’ Breath
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14. Examples of Themes
Animals
Holidays
Special Events
Common Life Scenarios
Characters from Fiction
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15. Yaaaawn
Contagious Yawners
tend to be higher in
dispositional
empathy.
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16. Handshake/ Namaste Greeting
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17. Laughter & Music
Solfege [Scales]
Beautiful Round Notes
Faux Opera
See also works by: Handel,
Puccini, Bach, Rimsky-Korsakov,
Mozart, Strauss, Verdi,
Prokofiev, Gilbert & Sullivan,
Shostakovich, Webber, Wagner,
Sondheim, Gershwin, et. al
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18. Animals
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19. Blow Kisses Breath
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20. No Money Laugh
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21. Won the Lottery Laugh
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22. Roller Coaster Laugh
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23. Silent Laugh
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24. Shiver Laugh
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25. Hot Cocoa Breath
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26. Pirate/ Swashbuckler Laugh
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27. Bow & Arrow Laugh/ 1 Meter Laugh
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28. Cell phone
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29. Toothache/ Nitrous/ Gargle
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30. Cutting Onions/ Crying
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31. Hula Hoop/ Hula Dance
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32. Unbalanced Washer
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33. Bouquet Breath
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34. Sneeze
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35. Wicked Laugh
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36. Wolfman, Ghost, Witch
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37. Zombie
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38. Vader Breath
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39. Characters from Fiction
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40. Gradient Laugh
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41. Further info
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43. Safe, Appropriate, Profoundly Memorable Surprises
With or without
Red Nose
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