The Story
“What’s So Funny? How We Learn to Laugh”
http://kmkowalski.weebly.com/uploads/7/5/5/8/7558289/whatssofunnymuse0316.pdf
by Kathiann Kowalski
Muse, March 2016
The Pitch
Dear Johanna:
You probably don’t go around with a toy chicken on your head. But new research suggests it might be a good idea sometimes when you’re playing with a young child. Joking and pretending are great fun, but a lot of serious learning takes place too.
My proposed feature will show readers how kids learn what’s so funny and why humor matters for their social and psychological development. In particular, I’ll focus on recent research about how young children learn to tell when someone is joking, as well as studies dealing with child development and humor.
Suggested length for the feature is about 1,200 words, including sidebars. Thanks for considering the idea. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kathi /s/
Kathiann M. Kowalski
