Humor is an essential part of teaching for it creates an environment that enhances learning and brings fun into education if used correctly. I have had many teachers who taught me the importance in using humor in teaching. These teachers brought brain breaks, happiness, and lighter moods into the average school day. Not only did this help our teacher, but it helped all of us as well. The most amazing thing that these teachers taught me through their humor is that anyone who aspires to be funny while teaching can be. You don't have to be a comedian or even naturally witty... all it takes is some understanding of ones plan and purpose. One must realize that humor in education can't be overpowering or embarrassing, but it must enhance the learning experience. One way to include humor in the classroom is to simply incorporate pictures or quotes that the students could relate to into a presentation. Instead of making a Powerpoint or a Prezi with nothing but written text, try including modern/appropriate pictures that will allow a short brain break. For example, while teaching how to properly add sources to writing and the importance in not using Wikipedia, the teacher could show this humous picture of the beloved Michael Scott from The Office.
This is just one example of how to incorporate humor, but one of my favorite ways to incorporate humor is to poke fun of myself. At times it is okay to joke around with students about themselves, but one must know the student well enough first and still be very careful while testing this. Because this is risky and could end up embarrassing or distracting a student, I personally take the safe route and joke about myself instead. Not only do the kids find humor in their teacher making jokes about herself, but it also builds a bond that lets the students know that [I] the teacher doesn't believe she is superior.
Lastly, a teacher can make entire lessons based off humor. They can use interactive educational websites like
Giggle Poetry which has lots of different & entertaining ways to introduce and play with poetry, or a website like
Funology which includes Science, trivia, jokes, and magic!
Don't let TEKS or Standards get in your way of having fun with your kids! It just takes a few more minutes to change the entire atmosphere of your classroom! What would you rather have... three more minutes for yourself or a classroom of happy and engaged kids with passing tests scores? The choice is yours... lets bring humor into our classrooms!