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Tell a joke

Tell a joke
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Write and practice telling a short, age-appropriate joke aloud to friends or family, focusing on timing, expression, and confidence-building performance skills.

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Step-by-step guide to tell a short, age-appropriate joke

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

8 Jokes for Tell-A-Joke Day | CBC Kids

What you need
A toy or family member for an audience, colouring materials, mirror or reflective surface, paper, pencil, timer or watch

Step 1

Choose a short age-appropriate joke you like or make one up.

Step 2

Write the setup on one line and the punchline on the next line on your paper.

Step 3

Underline the punchline so it stands out.

Step 4

Circle any words you want to say louder or with extra feeling.

Step 5

Draw a tiny face or arrow by the punchline to show the expression or gesture you will use.

Step 6

Set your timer to 30 seconds or get your watch ready.

Step 7

Read the joke aloud slowly one time from the paper.

Step 8

Practice pausing by counting silently "1, 2" between the setup and the punchline each time you say it.

Step 9

Say the punchline three times using different tones to find the funniest one.

Step 10

Stand in front of the mirror and tell the joke once while watching your face and hands.

Step 11

Perform the joke for your toy or a family member.

Step 12

Ask for one kind suggestion or notice one thing that made them smile.

Step 13

Make one small change to your timing or expression and practice once more.

Step 14

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a kitchen timer, mirror, or paper if we don't have them?

If you don't have a kitchen timer, mirror, or paper, use a phone's timer and camera for the 'Set your timer to 30 seconds' and 'Stand in front of the mirror' steps, and write the setup and punchline on an index card or in a notes app instead of paper.

I'm rushing and forget to pause before the punchline—how do we fix that?

If you keep rushing from setup to punchline, underline the punchline and circle words you want to say louder so your eyes and voice slow down, then practice pausing by silently counting '1, 2' between the lines as the instructions say.

How can we change the activity for a 4-year-old versus a 10-year-old?

For a 4-year-old, have an adult write a very short setup and punchline on the paper and use a toy to practice the 'pause by counting silently "1, 2"' step, while a 10-year-old can try all three tones, use the mirror step to refine expressions, and record to share on DIY.org.

How can we make the joke performance more creative or longer-lasting?

To enhance the activity, add a small prop or costume, use the 'Draw a tiny face or arrow by the punchline' step to plan gestures, then 'Make one small change to your timing or expression' and record the updated performance to upload to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to tell a short, age-appropriate joke

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

12 Hilarious School Jokes for Kids! | World Laughter Day | Twinkl USA

4 Videos

Facts about public speaking for kids

⏱️ A short pause before the punchline (comic timing) often makes the joke much funnier.

🎤 Improv tricks like “yes, and…” help kids recover if a joke doesn't land and keep the audience smiling.

🧠 Laughing releases feel-good chemicals that can reduce stress and boost mood.

🎭 Practicing jokes out loud builds stage confidence and helps you use expression and gestures.

😂 Punchlines work by surprising the listener—flip expectations and you get a laugh!

How do I teach my child to write and practice telling a short joke aloud?

Start by choosing an age-appropriate joke type (knock-knock, one-liner, or short story). Help the child write one or two simple versions on paper, then practice aloud focusing on clear voice, pausing before the punchline, and using facial expressions and gestures. Rehearse in front of a mirror and then for a small, supportive audience. Give positive feedback, record short runs for self-review, and keep practice sessions brief and fun.

What materials do I need to help my child write and practice a joke?

You only need a few simple supplies: paper and pencil for writing jokes, index cards or a small notebook, and an optional mirror or phone to record practice. A timer or stopwatch helps teach timing, and small props or costumes can make performances playful. Keep materials kid-friendly and cheap so the focus stays on speaking and expression rather than gadgets.

What ages is this joke-writing and telling activity suitable for?

This activity works well for toddlers through preteens with age-appropriate adjustments. Ages 3–5 enjoy simple knock-knock jokes with adult support; 6–9 can write short one-liners and practice expression; 10–12 can craft longer setups and refine timing and stage presence. Tailor language complexity, time per practice, and feedback to the child's attention span and comfort level; always supervise younger children.

What are the benefits of having my child write and tell jokes?

Joke-writing and telling builds confidence, vocabulary, timing, and public-speaking skills. It strengthens creativity and empathy by thinking about what makes others laugh, and improves memory through rehearsal. Practicing expression and body language supports emotional regulation and social interaction. Keep feedback positive and avoid jokes that tease others; use the activity to encourage playfulness, resilience after flubs, and family bonding.
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Tell a joke. Activities for Kids.