Perhaps it should be called Laughing with the Teacher. If a teacher is laughed at, then learning takes second fiddle.

Teachers who can evoke a chuckle or two during a class period usually have greater class participation and subject retention. Who wants to sit through a class taught by a serious teacher in a serious way, never smiling, always moving, or reading from a book. They may know their subject well, but...

A teacher who is laughed at for something (usually an action) can turn it around to engage the class. If it is an accent or a way of speech, it can be used to advantage as well. If it is a way of dressing or deportment, the students will be the first to let you know. But something can be done about it.

Teachers who know their subjects incredibly well will usually have the respect of the students, especially if the teacher comes up with impromptu experiments or off-the-cuff revelations. The students are kept off guard and pay attention because they don't know what will happen next. In other words, keep it interesting.

Talking about experiences from your own life is ok for short examples related to the subject matter, but not if it is just a story.

Most teenage students appear to have a screw loose which makes it challenging for teachers.

Not all teachers are good instructors, but can be with the right training. What, you just waltz into a classroom and expect the students to "listen carefully and pay attention"? It doesn't work that way anymore.

Some teachers don't "see" their students. The students know it. The students want to be recognized, even if they have to do something silly and disruptive to get the attention. Teachers don't have to let it get that far.

A long time ago Reader's Digest had a section in their paperbacks called, "Laughter is the Best Medicine". That saying still holds true today, because some folks say that laughter increases endorphins, strengthens your immune system, and sends extra oxygen coursing through your veins. Find out why some researchers believe laughing is as good as a mild workout.

So when you see your students looking off, eyes closed (maybe they didn't get enough sleep last night or are growing again), you can help them and yourself with a quick joke. Having a page of jokes for these "emergency" purposes will keep the students off guard too.

If you're not good at making up your own jokes, you can search the net for joke sites or buy a joke book. Remember, keep 'em clean.

Here is one to get started with, but although teenagers like Little Johnny jokes, it would be best for you, as the teacher, not to tell any. One-liners or funny quotes seem to be the easiest to remember and tell.

"The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory."

And for students caught sleeping, you could say, "I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve school-related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who practice Yoga?".

Good luck - good teaching - good listening

Cheers - Mike