This information is excerpted from a two-week, humor writing unit plan for teachers: Introduction to Humor and Comedy Writing.

In the first lesson of the unit, we look at examples of humor writing and discuss what makes them funny.

If you’re a teacher who would like to teach a humor-writing unit in your own classroom, you can find the classroom-ready version of this course here. 

I’ve been to one workshop on classroom organization. I signed up when I realized I would not be successful using my former system: cramming all paperwork into one big folder to separate into piles at home. The main thing I learned at this workshop was that some people really enjoy organizing things, and anyone who uses sheet protectors is way out of my league.

As a teacher, you’ve likely learned that weaknesses in your personal life carry over to your teaching style. Maybe you’ve even learned this the hard way. The good news is that the skills and strengths that you had before you started waking up at 5 AM are still there, also. Consider your answers to the questions below as you try to channel your personal strengths into classroom success.

Over the past two decades, I’ve spoken at new-teacher orientations around the country. One thing that’s guaranteed at these events—besides the song “Wind Beneath My Wings” playing on repeat—is that most of the audience is somewhat distracted. New teachers know it’s important to hear about their district’s insurance plan, receive their double-wide HR binders, and claim their free tote bags. But the main thing on their minds is the biggest moment in their careers, which is looming just a few days away: the first day of school.