I’ll try to keep it short, but I do have a story to tell.

I like to think I’m an engaging teacher. I teach. And the kids learn. Like maybe it could be that simple.

However, middle schoolers can have an entirely different agenda.

You know, raging hormones and all.

So more often than not, it’s like I teach. And then I repeat. And again. And again.

Especially when I give directions. Sometimes I think I’m invisible and my voice is silent.

But I’m one determined, stubborn woman. So they will learn it. Eventually. Even with their best attempts to thwart my efforts.

On the other hand, they love my jokes. Well, maybe I just like to think they love them and I’ve quite possibly created my own reality (where I’m funny…more like hilarious) and I currently reside in that reality.

Anyway, they ask me all the time, “Do you have a joke today?” Sometimes I disappoint them, but sometimes I really outdo myself.

We’ve been studying compounds and chemical reactions in 8th grade, so I shared this one:

“What does one chemical reaction say to the other?”

And BOOM. I had them. Engaged and all. You see before I deliver the punch line, I let them guess.

Here’s what they came up with:

“Your bonds are looking strong”

“You’re looking explosive”

“Did you see your reaction? It was priceless”

Now even though none of these were the official answer, they were great! And in this teaching moment, not only were they listening and participating, THEY WERE ACTUALLY USING SCIENCE VOCABULARY. Not even on purpose. I totally tricked them into learning. Gosh I’m good.

Maybe an exaggeration, but let’s just go with it for a second.

The next day, we were working through balancing some chemical equations and one was a little complicated. The bell was about to ring, but I wanted to finish before they left. You know to wrap up the lesson and all. So as I glanced at the clock, I said something along the line of “ugh…the clock is stressing me out”.

And one of my students blurted, “I think you’re overreacting. Haha. Get it Mrs. Kyle? Overreacting”

What have I done? They’re using my jokes on ME!

OMG. I love this job.

So go on people, be funny. Tell jokes. Especially dumb ones. Make people laugh.

You never know when you just might make someone’s day.