Tell a Pirate Joke
Write and perform a pirate joke using simple props, a pirate voice, and gestures. Practice timing, delivery, and audience reactions for confidence.
Step-by-step guide to tell a pirate joke
The Greatest Pirate Jokes Ever Told | CBC Kids
Step 1
Pick a pirate joke idea and write the main topic on your paper for example treasure parrot ship or map.
Step 2
Write the setup sentence of your joke on the paper so the audience knows the situation.
Step 3
Write the punchline on the paper so it clearly finishes the joke with a surprise or wordplay.
Step 4
Circle the words where you will pause for effect so you know your timing.
Step 5
Choose one prop to use and make a simple eye patch or bandana using the plain cloth or paper and colouring materials.
Step 6
Stand in front of the mirror and practice saying the setup with a pirate voice such as a gruff Arr or rolling R sound.
Step 7
Practice saying the punchline in the mirror and try one big gesture to match the joke for example pointing at your parrot or pretending to find treasure.
Step 8
Rehearse the whole joke three times using your prop your voice your pauses and your gestures all together.
Step 9
Perform the joke for a family member or a stuffed animal audience using your practiced timing and gestures.
Step 10
Share your finished pirate joke performance on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of plain cloth or paper and colouring materials to make an eye patch or bandana?
If you don't have plain cloth or paper, use a scrap of an old T‑shirt, a paper towel, or a sticky note and color it with markers or crayons to make your eye patch or bandana prop.
I'm having trouble remembering where to pause and getting the pirate voice right; what should I try?
Circle the words where you will pause on your paper and then practice slowly in front of the mirror, exaggerating the gruff 'Arr' and taking a deep breath before each pause to improve timing and voice.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger children, pick a simple topic and write a one-line setup and punchline and rehearse once for a stuffed animal, while older kids can write longer wordplay jokes, rehearse the whole joke three times with extra gestures, and record to share on DIY.org.
How can I make my pirate joke performance more creative or personal?
Decorate your chosen prop like the eye patch or bandana with stickers or drawings, add a handmade treasure map or sound effect, include a signature gesture such as pointing at an imaginary parrot, and film the practiced performance to polish before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to tell a pirate joke
Elinor Wonders Why | How To Talk Like a Pirate 🏴☠️ | PBS KIDS #Shorts
3 Videos
Elinor Wonders Why | How To Talk Like a Pirate 🏴☠️ | PBS KIDS #Shorts
How to Talk Like A Pirate | 19 September | Talk Like A Pirate Day | Fun Lessons for Kids | Twinkl
Funny Pirate Jokes for Kids
Facts about public speaking and performance for kids
⏱️ A tiny pause before a punchline can make it land harder—timing is one of the funniest tools a performer has.
😂 Laughter is contagious: hearing others laugh makes people much more likely to laugh too, which helps performers.
🎭 Pantomime performers use big gestures and faces to tell a story without words—perfect practice for pirate gestures.
🎤 Stand-up comedians often write and test dozens of versions of a joke before finding the best delivery.
🏴☠️ The classic pirate "Arr!" voice was popularized by actor Robert Newton in the 1950s and stuck in movies and cartoons.
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What materials do I need to perform a pirate joke with kids?
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