1512 Post #5: Cartoons

We have been taught that teaching is a combination of head, heart, hand, and humor. I think that often times educators are so concerned with spreading the head, heart, and hand that they often forget about humor. What we know is that we remember the times that we laugh. We do not remember the boring lecture or the spiral bound notebook filled with notes. We also know that engaging the class is a great motivator for increased learning.

Being able to find ways to reach your class, present ideas, and open a discussion is through cartoon strips. This is an idea that can be applied inter academically and can be used as group projects as well. The math class I am currently taking has required the class to come up with cartoon strips that are relevant to what we are learning. While I was puzzled about why we needed to make cartoons for a class about teaching math in elementary school, I kept an open mind through the process.

These cartoons can bridge the gap between student and teacher. It can also allow the teacher a different way to present the new material to the class. Additionally, it is a great way for the teacher to apply humor to their class. Most importantly, these cartoons may be a source of "A-ha!" for some students. At the very least, it will break up the day for the class and provide them with a brain break.