Teachers Don’t Forget To Laugh

Students are losing focus while learning, and grades in essential subjects like math and English are declining. But there's a solution: Comedy! When teachers incorporate comedy into their lessons, they break down tension, reduce stress, and make learning more engaging and memorable.

OBSTACLE

One of the most common reasons students struggle in school is a lack of motivation or interest in the subject. When students aren't engaged, focusing on or retaining the material becomes a challenge. Traditional methods of instruction may fall short in maintaining student attention, leading to declining performance, particularly in critical subjects like math and English. This issue was especially clear to Mrs. Monzo, a middle school English teacher struggling with student engagement since COVID.

STRATEGY

While working with Mrs Monazo I introduced her to the book Teaching with Comedy: How to Use Comedy Techniques in the Classroom, thinking it might help her engage her students. Her reaction? “I don’t have time to read this.” That’s when I realized that teachers, like their students, need fun and engaging learning methods themselves. As we skimmed through the book, Mrs. Monzo pointed out that some sections could be condensed, and she wished it had more pictures. This feedback inspired me to take the book and transform it into an illustrative workbook that allows teachers to actively learn and experiment with different comedy techniques. This workbook helps teachers engage students while making their own learning process enjoyable and effective. 

The workbook design emphasizes engaging visual elements with clear typography, color-coded sections, and inviting illustrations. Each comedy technique is broken down with illustrated "how-tos," making complex concepts easy to grasp. A character named Diana guides readers throughout the workbook. The design balances learning with fun, ensuring teachers remain engaged. There are also sections like "Comedy Traps," which outline what not to do in the classroom. The workbook layout is approachable, featuring workbook sections to encourage reflection and active learning.