Teaching Class Clowns (And What They Can Teach Us)

William Watson Purkey is professor emeritus of counselor education at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and co-founder of The International Alliance for Invitational Education (R). A noted author, researcher, speaker, and leader, Purkey has authored nearly 100 articles and more than a dozen books.

Foreword by Sally Butzin Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Appreciating Class Clowns Introduction The Case for Class Clowns Having Fun as a Teaching Strategy Breeding Ground for Professional Comedians Who Is a Class Clown? The Value of Cheerfulness Encore 2. Understanding Class Clowns. Humor Brain Drain Friendly Clowns and Hostile Clowns Friendly Clowns Hostile Clowns Class Clown Relationships The Art of Clowning Tribulations of Class Clowns Signature Tendencies of Class Clowns Encore 3. Investing The Value of Investing How to Teach Class Clowns Through Investing Share Responsibilities Form Triads Spotlight Talent Modify the Grading System Encourage Special Interest Groups What Class Clowns Can Teach Us About Investing Any Attempt Is a Victory If it's Worth Doing, It's Worth Doing Poorly Be a Rubber Ball Encore 4. Asserting The Value of Asserting How to Teach Class Clowns Through Asserting Be Positive With Directives Use No-Cut Contracts Promote Civility Involve Clowns in Decisions What Class Clowns Can Teach Us About Asserting Keep a Sense of Humor Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously Challenge Authority Promote Democratic Values Encore 5. Relating The Value of Relating How to Teach Class Clowns Through Relating Use Inclusive Pronouns Brighten the Classroom Build Class Spirit Conduct Field Studies Play That Funky Music What Class Clowns Can Teach Us About Relating Savor Every Moment Enjoy Life Fight Fair Encore 6. Coping The Value of Coping How to Teach Class Clowns Through Coping Keep the Volcano From Erupting Listen to the Ice Follow the Six C's What Class Clowns Can Teach Us About Coping Capitalize on Bad Moments Count on Serendipity Find Humor in Frustrations Be Suspicious of Hearsay Conclusion A Final Encore Bibliography Index

"The book made me look at the class clown in a positive light rather than a negative disruptive individual. It gave me many ideas on how to channel the energy of a class clown in a positive direction." -- Leile Poppleton "It is not difficult to read, and in places is laugh-out-loud funny. I related several of the more humorous passages to my wife, and we both laughed heartily. I would recommend this book to my colleagues because we have all had students like these in class, and they can be most disruptive if they want to. Having some strategies to use with these special students will be most helpful." -- Aaron Faletto, Music Teacher/Band Director "First of all I was immediately able to see myself, and some of my antics, as a child, student, adult, police officer, and now a teacher! It was nice to finally be able to "come-out-of-the-closet" (so to speak) and truly be who I am! Second, I was able to apply a great deal of what was spoken of in helping my current Clown! He has responded marvelously! Third, this manuscript allowed me to look back at the errors I have made in working with students who identify with the Class Clown persona, and (hopefully) not repeat them." -- Mark Sadler, 5th Grade Teacher "There are many good and concrete suggestions for practitioners. The author not only identifies the complex issues at stake but goes on to make appropriate suggestions for dealing with class clowns. Teachers will be energized." -- Frank Parajes, Professor "Purkey provides teachers a rare glimpse into the children behind the clowning student and describes "nuts and bolts" means to engage such students into the learning environment." -- Gerald A. Juhnke, Professor "This is an uplifting, refreshing, informative, amusing and generally life-enhancing book that addresses a reality most teachers define as a problem - the presence of class clowns in school rooms...offers practical suggestions for working with challenging individuals more productively - for both teachers' and students' sakes... articulates a perspective that resonates with the disheartening experiences of many teachers, yet inspires them to go beyond the status quo to bring greater significance, meaning and humanity to their work as professional educators." -- Anne Richards, Professor Emerita "The book addresses an important area of education that has been neglected for too long of a time. Not only is the book informative and addresses an important educational area, the author writes in a style that is 'easy reading' and quite humorous. The authors style of writing actively engages and 'invites' the reader to think about his or her own past school experiences so as to become better teachers or administrators." -- Ken Smith, Counseling and Educational Psychologist "In this delightfully written book, Dr. Purkey has captured the essence of those 'characters' whom all of us can relate with, having sat next to in school, been one ourselves (class clown) or endured the challenges of teaching these scamps. I have gained a more compassionate insight into multifaceted qualities of all those I teach." -- Daniel E. Shaw, Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine "Dr. Purkey has gifted a joyous affirmation to all whose philosophy for effective living is anchored in the belief: 'A day without laughter is a day without sunshine.' " -- Zacharie J. Clements, President "Finally, the true significance of the 'class clown' has been professionally identified and analyzed as a functional teaching source. . . [and] presented as a challenging opportunity for the teacher to capitalize on this all-too-often over-looked student." -- Donald W. Russell, Professor Emeritus and Acting Dean "An innovative topic, well presented. Any educator who reads this book without cracking a smile or having a good belly laugh is in the wrong business! Purkey's delightful expose about class clowns and the lessons to learn from them offers much needed fresh air and insightful messages." -- John J. Schmidt, Professor of Counselor Education "Purkey's stories, research, wisdom, wit, and humor constantly encourage the reader to read on. He invites everyone to make the world a better place by adhering to his eight rules for a cheerful life." -- Harvey A. Smith, Campus Minister "For a class clown reading this book was like looking into a mirror. But I looked, sounded, and seemed smarter in Purkey's mirror." -- Tim Cusack, Speaker, Trainer, Actor "Humor is a super teaching instrument. Properly channeled, class clowns can provide sunshine for both the mind and heart in any classroom." -- Newsletter of the Association of American Schools of Central America, Colombia, Caribbean & Mexico "Provides an excellent description of the characteristics of class clowns and makes recommendations concerning how to teach them. This book would be particularly instructive for new teachers who are just learning about the ups and downs of different types of classroom behaviors." -- Gifted Education News-Page, August/September 2006 "Teachers are given suggestions on how to emphasize fun in learning activities, channel humor positively, and create a classroom atmosphere that fosters the development of talents, especially the gift of humor. This core message is consistent with the strength-based approach of positive psychology." -- PsycCRITIQUES, August 2007, Vol. 52(33) "Sounding like a veteran professor, a concerned father, and a clown himself, Purkey spends much time defending some of the most challenging-and often engaging-students in the classroom. His empathy for these students is apparent, but he is realistic too. Purkey's strategies will help any teacher struggling to manage the behavior of a class clown or another problematic student." -- Middle Ground Magazine, August 2007, Vol. 11(1)