Beginners Barbs: First Steps in Satire
Writing the Satire
Beginner satires baby steps – barb it light. Target a rule: “No gum – I chew wind now.” Hit easy quirks – school, chores: “Test says ace – I flop.” Keep it fun – heavy sinks. Peanuts kid jabs inspire. Start simple: “Dog barks – I bow.” Practice turns first tries into friendly teases.
Teaching the Technique
Teach beginner jabs with a soft twist. Give “late bell” – twist: “Late so cool, I rule!” Show Peanuts strips – easy, zing. Steps: life, quirk, jab. Assign “homework” – spark: “Work so great, I slept!” Discuss fun: light wins. Warn off hard – easy rules. Barb-off: pitch a step, best tease wins. Starts are sparks – teach them to spark it.
