Poetry Challenge #136.5-Chuckle Challenge
When was the last time you had a gut busting laugh-so-hard-tears- were-running-down-your-legs laugh?
If you can’t remember, then I only have one thing to say to you:
“It’s about time you did!”
Why? I’ll give you 4 reasons (if you don’t believe me, ask the Mayo Clinic.)
Lowers stress hormones
improves heart and immune functions
burns calories
makes you feel better
Now get this…
““The average 4-year-old laughs 300 times a day. The average 40-year-old? Only four.””
Maybe, along with picking & flicking, graham crackers, and “punch bug” laughing is something our kids can help us do more often. And we can help them too, by writing funny stuff.
Let’s give it a try with a little help from author Julie Hauswirth who decided to up the funny factor with the third annual #2026 KidLit Chuckle Challenge. *
Poetry Challenge #136.5
Chuckle Challenge
To begin, rewind to the child you used to be—the one who laughed 300 times a day—and think about what used to make you laugh.
Or if that child is too buried in grown-up gobbledygook, take a minute or two to watch kids at play. What makes kids laugh? Just about everything!
Next: look at this list I copied off the Chuckle Challenge page. It includes lots of ways to add humor to our writing.
Now: Think of some funny words. Or a funny situation. Or best, both.
Kick your adult to the curb, put your silly hat on a write a poem.
Set your timer for 7 minutes
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it!
the #2026 Kidlit Chuckle Challenge contest is open from 8:00am central September 10th-10:00pm central September 13th. Consider this the practice round. Click the website link for contest rules and past winners poems.
Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge thousands of chuckles ago! We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.