Learn the words in Hebrew to figure out the joke below:

In front of you — לפניך

You’re late — איחרת

Sign — שלט

Entrance — כניסה

Slow down — האט

Solution

Slow down! School ahead!

Teacher: “Why are you late?”

Student: “Because of the sign at the entrance.”

Teacher: “What sign?”

Student: “Slow down! School ahead!”

Teacher Insight

As a teacher, I’ve found that embracing humor in the classroom is a powerful way to build rapport and create an engaging learning environment. When students share jokes during sessions, I seize these moments to connect with them—allowing for brief laughter before steering the focus back to the lesson.

This approach has transformed my classroom into a space where students feel comfortable and valued, leading to increased participation and attentiveness. By setting clear expectations—that it’s acceptable to share a laugh but important to promptly return to the lesson—I’ve maintained order while making the educational experience enjoyable.

Incorporating humor doesn’t mean compromising discipline; rather, it strengthens teacher-student relationships and fosters a dynamic, effective learning environment. This balance has made my classes not only more enjoyable but also more productive, motivating students to learn and engage deeply with the material.

Maya Yehezkel is a Hebrew teacher at Yeshivat Noam middle school. For private tutoring, all
levels, email [email protected].