There is no unique definition of circus pedagogy; however, "scholars agree that such a discipline could provide a valid alternative to learn and deepen various mobility contents". This article aims to provide strategies for implementing an elementary physical education Circus Unit. An overview of how to design three basic routines of a…

In this article, we explore the idea that comedy, with its often unorthodox ways of looking at, experiencing, and responding to the world, offers untold possibility for classroom literacy instruction. The article focuses on the potential of Improv comedy as socio-materialist literacy in the classroom. It provides an account of Improv as a form of…

Presents an interview with Dianne Monson, 1994 winner of the International Reading Association's Arbuthnot Award, a woman of many talents and enthusiasms, all of which are apparent in the way she approaches both teaching and children's books. Discusses her career as a reader, a critic, and a teacher of children's literature. (SG)

Various types of humor found among children of school age and among adolescents are placed in a structural-developmental framework. Also discussed are several ways in which teachers can use children's humor in their classrooms. (MP)

Notes that in his 20-year tenure as a picture book artist, Jon Agee, has produced a number of books that greatly vary in appearance. Provides examples of Agee's evolution as an artist while demonstrating his metafictive experimentation with artistic conventions, his play with concepts of reality and impossibility, and his abundant talent for…

Describes stand-up comic Jim Pelley's knack for making educators see a light side to serious problems. Principals should always be aware of the power of humor to take the edge off potentially depressing situations. Advice is provided for lightening up, including creating a humor first-aid kit, posting staff baby pictures and cartoons, and…

The study examined the cartoon humor comprehension of 30 learning disabled and 30 non-handicapped boys in two age groups, eight- and twelve-year-olds. Significant main effects were found indicating a developmental lag in the cognitive structure necessary for understanding humor in the learning disabled subjects. (Author/DB)

Discusses food and food-related images, notions, values, and customs that have a unique and significant role in children's literature. (MKM)

Offers a humorous look at the problem of assessment. (FL)

Kindergarteners and first and fourth graders watched an educational television program containing three types of humor. Information acquisition and funniness were assessed. Compared with distortion-free humor, irony resulted in overestimates of properties of novel objects introduced in the program. Age did not diminish perceptual distortion.…

A summary of research on humor that has practical implications for those who work with children. (Author/MP)

Presents ideas to counteract teacher burnout and sagging teacher morale based on the attitudes of characters in the television show M*A*S*H. (CM)

Recalls childhood reading experiences and offers an analysis of the "wit and genius" of "Pilot Officer Prune's Progress." (TB)

Recounts naturalistic investigation examining five male elementary school principals' use of humor in their daily interactions with teachers. Humor seemed to enhance principals' messages to teachers and was used primarily to create and improve school climate, to communicate principals' understanding of teaching demands, to break down the rigidity…

Examines creative humor and appreciative humor. Suggests ways elementary school counselors can nurture humor, both creatively and appreciatively, as a necessary characteristic of the complete child. (ABB)