Humor as a Genre

Presented by:

Shannon Forbes & Courtney Swanson

The Joke

http://www.guysread.com

Motivational Value

The more students enjoy what they are reading, the more inclined they will be to read.

Humor may motivate students who are reluctant to read to pick up a book.

As students read more, they stand to become better readers.

If students improve their ability to read, they may improve their opportunities for success in school & in their future lives.

Humor
Contains books and material that are considered funny and entertaining to the audience. Different and distinct from the genre Comedy, because Comedy has a history stemming back to ancient theatre and has several different and equally valid definitions. (Kulakauskas, n.d.) Comedy as a genre is generally more associated with film than literature.

Is Humor its Own Genre?

No clear distinction as it may actually be a sub-genre or a thread that runs through many different types of fiction. Can you think of examples?

YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) recognizes humor as a genre

Examples: Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary (realistic fiction), Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka(science fiction), and Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko (historical fiction)

The Sid Fleischman Award given by the Society of Childrens Book Writers & Illustrators for exemplary writing for children in the genre of humor When considering how to organize a Library Media Center, humor as a genre of its own poses a great challenge

Writers Workshop Elementary School Activity

Students think of themselves as authors Emphasis is on sharing their work & peer conferencing & editing (in a constructive way) Based on the idea that students learn to write best when they write
Frequently For extended periods of time On topics of their own choosing

Instead of spelling tests, grammar worksheets, handwriting practice, & other isolated sub-skills of writing

Recommended Books from the Humor Genre Elementary

Middle School

References
American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Empowering learners: Guidelines for school library programs. Chicago, IL: American Association of School Librarians. Choldenko, G. (2004). Al Capone does my shirts. New York, NY: Putnams. Cleary, B. (1981). Ramona Quimby, age 8. New York, NY: Harper Trophy. Kleinberg, J., & Cockett, L. (1996). Why angels fly: Humor in YA fiction. Retrieved from: http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professionaldevelopment/childlit/books/KLEINBG.pdf. Klesius, J., Laframboise, K. L., & Gaier, M. (1998). Humorous literature: Motivation for reluctant readers. Literacy Research and Instruction, 37(4), 253-261. Kulakauskas, B. Genre: Humour. Illiterarty.com Book reviews and blogs by Bridget. Retrieved July 6, 2011, from http://www.illiterarty.com/genre-humour Park, B. (1992-2009). The Junie B. Jones series. New York, NY: Random House. Peha, S. (2003). Welcome to writers workshop. Retrieved July 7, 2011 from, http://www.ttms.org/PDFs/05%20Writers%20Workshop%20v001%20(Fu ll).pdf. Society of Childrens Book Writers & Illustrators (n.d.). Sid Fleischman Award. Retrieved on July 5, 2011 from, http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Sid-Fleischman-Award.