Tips for the substitute teacher. (CM)

Discusses Jan Mark's "Thunder and Lightnings" and offers the teacher various approaches to teaching the book in the classroom. (HOD)

In a lighthearted yet serious look at academic deanship, stories are recounted regarding the dean's role in such matters as tenure decisions, budgeting, affirmative action, and coping with demands of faculty, department chairs, vice-presidents, parents, and students. Current practices in academic administration are described in a humorous manner.…

This analysis of the U.S. Department of Labor's "Dictionary of Occupational Titles" as a literary and cultural document, looks at its (1) history; (2) job classification scheme; (3) egalitarianism; (4) cultural and literary value; and (5) humor. Five references are listed. (MES)

This book presents a collection of cartoons that focus on the lighter side of teaching. In a tongue-in-cheek introduction, the book asserts that one achievable goal which should have been included in the 1994 Educate America Act is that all teachers will start each school day by reading one funny cartoon and having a good chuckle before they go to…

Examines a group of young adult novels written by American Jewish authors to support claim that they have helped establish the irreverent, lively tone characteristic of contemporary literature for young adults. Also discusses definitions of Jewish humor; the use of Jewish places, names, and words; discussion and wordplay; and stereotypes. (EM)

This essay addresses concerns surrounding the censorship of library materials and responds to comments received on a previous article by the same author ("Top of the News," Winter 1984). Discussion covers the American Civil Liberties Union, vulgar language and inadequate vocabulary, library collections, library material selection, and…

Notes the unintentional humor so often found in directions. Describes an assignment on writing directions carefully--and the humorous results. (RL)

Personality in planning, promoting, and executing a special event may be as important as the event itself. Events should be planned that deserve media coverage, and then skills should be used to obtain coverage. (MSE)

Reports on the 1987 Drexel University/Free Library of Philadelphia Conference on Children's Literature. The edited text of the keynote address by Alvin Schwartz, "Children, Humor and Folklore," and the acceptance speech by Deborah Kogan Ray, recipient of the 1987 Drexel Citation, are included. Observations on humor from workshop sessions are…

The importance of laughter and humor to enhance education, and special education in particular, is addressed. A sense of humor is an attitude, and humor together with enthusiasm helps students enjoy the learning process. Humor can make students become more alert, and can have very positive influences on affect. A funny remark, a pleasant…

Perhaps because of their familiarity with joke telling, students often do their best writing when using humor. In both telling jokes and creating humorous works, students need to develop a strong sense of audience, an awareness of the importance of vivid description, a strong sense of purpose, and the ability to use punctuation for effect. The…

Argues that humorous books have the potential to brighten the classroom environment, motivate students, and develop reactive, thinking readers. (FL)

Presents responses from 22 teachers on activities used to increase student awareness of language usage and language patterns and to heighten student appreciation for specific works of literature. (RL)

The difference between phrogfessors and teachers is that phrogfessors train tadpoles in the way of the swamp (i.e., create likenesses of themselves) while teachers produce people and thereby help to drain the swamp. Phrogfessors take responsibility for what their students learn. They believe that if a student does badly, it is the phrogfessor's…