by Erika Mourar

Created on: November 10, 2007

The class clown, who doesn't remember the refreshing monotony breaking moments of laughter during class? After reminiscing for a minute you quickly also call to mind the time you were the object of laughter and that it wasn't fun at all.

So now you are the teacher and the main target of the class clown's jokes., you probably feel like running and hiding and in lieu of that possibility you want to yell and scream and call class to order. Take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one and then make sure that you are the one that makes the difference.

As with all problems the order of action is the same. You already completed identifying the issue, you have a clown in class. On to the next leg of your journey. This one will be much more difficult to achieve and take more time as well. You need to find out why the clown is the way he is.

There are different types of clowns. There is the child that just is funny, he cannot help it, he just is. Make sure he gets time to make jokes and use him to loosen the strict routine of school days. By giving him air time you can most likely control and channel his jokes to certain times and he and everybody else can concentrate the rest of the day. It is important to teach this natural comedian proper clowning etiquette, such as keeping others feelings in mind when joking.

There is the child that tries to question your authority with his jokes. He may be a born leader that has not learned that even leaders have to follow at times. By acknowledging his superior position in the "pack" you can keep him quiet and peaceful. Transform his clowning energy into a productive part of your classroom by letting him lead by example. Give him responsibilities and he will most likely not disappoint you or his class.

There is the underachiever, the child that tries to hide bad grades or difficulty learning things by making jokes. Find ways to solve the educational problems and you will have your peace and quiet during class.

Along with the before mentioned rather harmless entertainers there are a few more serious kinds of class clowns. You will have to demonstrate loads of patience, tons of determination and gobs of love to deal with the following examples.

The involuntary clown is the child that the other children make fun off and laugh at. This can be caused by handicaps such as Tourette Syndrome and ADHD among other things. Teach the class about respect, about diversity and expected social behavior. Point out things the child in question

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