Lessons on Humor

What's So Funny?
Reading Collect a set of comic strips and cartoons. During circle time, share several of them and ask the students to explain what it is that makes them funny. Are there ordinary things in unexpected places? Is it because a character doesn't know what is going on? Explore the elements of humor. Have students collect comics to bring in for a future discussion.

Kids' Humor
This lesson promotes humor in the classroom to help children perform better and be healthier.

A Laugh and a Half: Students Make Funny-Poem Mobiles
Students will find their favorite funny poems – and write their own – to hang from smile-mobiles. Student work sheet is provided.

Mark Twain and American Humor
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to analyze the use of literary conventions and devices to develop character and point of view in the short story. They will then discuss the purposes and significance of literary humor and finally examine Mark Twain's storytelling style in relation to that of other American humorists.