Hi Reader,

This week is a great reminder that learning doesn’t always have to be so serious. Tuesday, April 14th is International Moment of Laughter Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to pause the lesson plan for a few minutes and invite some joy into your classroom.

It’s also a fun opportunity to bring a global twist into your day. You could share how laughter is universal and even teach students how to say “laugh” or “joke” in a few different languages, or briefly highlight how humor looks in different cultures around the world. It’s a simple way to connect your classroom to the bigger world, even in just a few minutes.

Consider setting aside a small chunk of time to let your students share their favorite jokes. You can make it a quick morning meeting activity, a brain break between subjects, or even a fun way to wrap up the day. You might be surprised how eager students are to participate and how something so simple can shift the entire energy of the room.

Laughter has real benefits in the classroom. It helps reduce stress, builds stronger relationships, and creates a more positive learning environment. When students feel relaxed and connected, they are more likely to engage, participate, and take risks in their learning. It also reminds them that school can be a place of joy, not just structure.

And let’s be honest, teachers need it too. A shared laugh can reset your mood, lighten the day, and remind you why those small moments matter just as much as the big academic wins.

So this Tuesday, lean into the giggles, the silly punchlines, and even the groan-worthy dad jokes. It all counts.

Because sometimes the best classroom management strategy… is a really good joke.

If you are in need of some kid-friendly jokes, check out these from Popsicle.

You’ve got this. And if all else fails, just remember: if your lesson doesn’t land, at least your punchline can. 😏

*On a side note - I'll be presenting at the NSTA National Conference in Anaheim, California on Saturday. If you're attending the conference, I'd love to see you at Global Safari: Using Imagination to Study Earth's Creatures!

Have a wonderful week!

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