Huumori lasten kanssa – ovi yhteisöllisyyteen?

Authors

• Tuula Stenius University of Helsinki, Finland
• Liisa Karlsson University of Helsinki, Finland
• Ari Sivenius University of Eastern Finland, Finland

Keywords:

humour of young children, pienten lasten huumori, communality, yhteisöllisyys, playfulness, leikillisyys

Abstract

The article examines the children’s humour in the early years through adults’ observations. Theoretically the phenomenon of humour is approached by investigating communality and playfulness. Humour has been studied at a general level, but the meanings of 1-6-year-old children’s humour has been studied less. The empirical data is based on survey data, which were collected at the end of 2018 in connection with a study on young children’s humour. The study asks what forms of children´s humour adults identify, and how adults use humour with young children. The data was analysed using the method of content analysis. The study shows that young children use humour as an invitation to the people around them. Through playfulness, adults are provided opportunities to join in the shared fun. A playful and joyful adult who listens to children creates a positive atmosphere, and thus opens the door to shared moments of joy, to communality.