Did you know there is actually a Tell a Joke Day? And it’s today! But, you can tell jokes any day to give your students a smile. Jokes and riddles are more than “just a laugh.” They can be used to reinforce:
Double meanings of words
Oral language
Confidence speaking in front of a group
Questions and statements
Memorization (develops short term memory)
Critical thinking
Riddle a Day
Write a riddle on the board each morning. Read over the riddle at morning meeting. Ask the children to smile if they “get” it. Encourage students to “think out loud” and explain the joke.
*You could also let the children discuss the joke with a partner.
Riddle Books
Make riddle books for the students by folding paper in half and stapling. After reading the riddle each day, have them draw or write the answer in their books. Discuss their answers.
Joke Show and Tell
Have a “joke” show and tell. Ask each student to have their parents help them learn a joke at home. Use a play microphone to let them stand up and perform their joke for their classmates.
Laugh Break
Let children tell jokes to classmates as a brain break.
Hint! Keep joke and riddle books on your desk to use during transitions.
Class Book
Let each child contribute a joke to a class book. Write the riddle at the top of the page and draw the answer at the bottom. Cover the answer with a peek-a-boo flip.
More?
There are some good websites and apps with free jokes and riddles. Here are a few school jokes that I found at http://jokes-for-kids.com/index.html.What is the only class you can plant a flower in?
A kindergarten!
Who is your best friend at school?
Your princi-pal.
Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 8 9!
What flies around the school at night?
The alpha-bat!
Why don’t you see giraffes in elementary school?
Because they are all in high school!
Your princi-pal.
Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 8 9!
What flies around the school at night?
The alpha-bat!
Why don’t you see giraffes in elementary school?
Because they are all in high school!
