Use humour in non-fiction writing with Dara Ó Briain

Tune into a lively podcast episode featuring Dara Ó Briain and explore how humour transforms non-fiction.

In this teaching sequence, based around an episode of Author in Your Classroom, Dara reveals how jokes, curiosity and clear explanations can sit happily side by side. The result? Writing that informs and entertains in equal measure.

Pupils will respond, reflect and start crafting their own laugh-out-loud factual pieces.

Teaching overview

This teaching sequence helps children blend fascinating facts with well-judged humour. It begins by exploring why non-fiction doesn’t have to be dry. Pupils discuss where humour works brilliantly and when it can distract. They consider tone, purpose and audience from the start.

Across five sessions, children move from idea generation to polished writing. They choose a topic they genuinely care about. They gather facts and identify the most surprising details. Then they experiment with playful techniques, from rhetorical questions to direct reader asides.

The unit places strong emphasis on conversational tone. Pupils analyse extracts to spot sentence patterns that sound like speech. They notice repetition, contractions and moments where the writer talks directly to the reader.

Planning sheets, PowerPoints and working wall materials support every step. Regular podcast clips of Dara Ó Briain keep inspiration high.

By the final session, each child produces an engaging non-fiction piece. It explains clearly. It sounds confident. And it proves that learning and laughter belong together.