How to Write and Teach Satire: Wit in the Classroom
Writing the Satire
Wit is satires brainy jab – it outsmarts with a grin. Target a dull rule: “No talking – guess we mime genius now.” Hit the clever – a test: “Exams so easy, I failed with style.” Keep it quick – slow wit sinks. Austens barbs sparkle fast. Start small: “My desks so old, its a relic.” Practice turns bland into bright, sharp and snappy.
Teaching the Technique
Teach wit with a quip race. Give “homework due” – twist: “Due today – I wrote it in my sleep.” Show Wildes zingers – fast, smart. Steps: target, twist, snap. Assign “late bell” – spark: “Late again – Im fashionably tardy.” Discuss zip: speed wins. Warn off dull – sharp rules. Wit-off: pitch a quip, best snap wins. Wits a sprint – teach them to dash it.
