1st Session

1. Introduce yourselves.

2. Free talking.

For over 25 years, on the first Sunday in May, thousands of people from more than 120 countries get together and celebrate World Laughter Day. People from 'laughter clubs' in cities and towns across the planet invite their friends and family members to join them, usually in public spaces. One very large 'laughter event' took place in the year 2000, when 10,000 people of different ages and backgrounds gathered in the Town Hall Square of Copenhagen, Denmark ? to laugh!

The Laughter Yoga movement

The very first World Laughter Day took place in 1998 in a park in the city of Mumbai, India. It was organised by Dr Madan Kataria, the person who also founded Laughter Yoga. Laughter Yoga is not about thinking of something funny, but it is based on a series of easy-to-do exercises that include the act of laughter. Like other types of yoga, it supports our physical and mental well-being. One fascinating point that Dr Kataria makes is that for the body, there is no difference between 'pretend' or 'fake' laughter and real laughter. As long as the laughter is deep or hard, it doesn't matter. After regularly attending a 'laughter gym', you begin to feel the physical and emotional benefits.

The benefits of laughter

Deep laughter causes our muscles to relax, which helps to cope with stress. During laughter our body releases chemicals that are associated with positive events and emotions. This can also reduce anxiety and physical pain. Like yoga, the physical act of laughter involves deep breathing. The oxygen flow throughout our body is increased, and when we breathe out, the 'old' air in our lungs is released. Mentally, laughter can help us feel more positive about life, ready to face challenges and deal with difficult situations more calmly. There are many free videos on different social media platforms with Dr Kataria but ? warn your housemates or family members ? you will probably laugh loudly and keep laughing!

Whatever the case, if laughter helps us to cope with stress and makes us feel positive about life ? then let's keep doing it!

1. Is laughing a difficult thing to do?

2. What are some things that genuinely make you laugh?

3. Would you join a “laughter club” if you had the time?

4. If you found something funny, would you laugh out loud or try to hide it?

2nd session

1. Introduce yourselves.

2. Free talking.

Jokes.

What did 20 do when it was hungry? Twenty-eight.

What's the difference in an alligator and a crocodile? You’ll see one later and one in a while.

Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it wasn’t peeling well.

What did one volcano say to the other volcano? I lava you.

Why is the math book sad? It has too many problems.

1. What kind of jokes do you enjoy?

2. Can you share a joke you like?

3. Do you think it’s hard to be funny?

4. Do you try to be funny and make others laugh?