What's So Funny? Using Humor in the Classroom

I believe that children learn more when they are having fun.  I love using humor in my classroom.  Although I am by no means an extrovert (I am a terrible sufferer of stage fright and giving speeches to adults), but I have no fear at all standing up in front of a bunch of 9 and 10 year olds and being downright silly.  I love making my students laugh.

The ability to understand more advanced humor can be one of the signs of giftedness in a child.  This ability involves reasoning, intuition, and recognizing the abstract.  By using humor in the classroom, all students are given the opportunity to develop these skills.

I have a "Humor of the Day" section in my classroom where I post funny pictures or quotes.  We take a few minutes of our day to discuss the picture or quote and talk about what makes it funny.  I have students of all abilities and backgrounds in my classroom, so we learn from each other.  I love the moment when students "get it" for the first time.  It can sometimes lead to a great discussion.

I have seen some of my students start to catch on a little quicker the more we discuss the humor in my classroom.  It is definitely a nice break from the routine.  Besides, I love laughing daily - doesn't everyone?

So, do you use humor in the classroom?  What makes you and your students laugh?