Explain that satire is a tool writers and storytellers use to critique or point out a flaw in society, an institution or an individual.
Tell children that a satirical story will often imitate what or who it wishes to critique. Explain that satire adds a comedic or absurd element while pretending to take itself seriously.
Emphasize that satire is not simply making fun of something. Tell children satire helps us think about familiar things in new ways, while making fun of something is usually destructive rather than helpful.
Find a children's book or film with elements of satire such as "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith or the film "Shrek."
Read the book out loud or show a clip from the film. Tell children to write down anything they hear or see they think is satirical.
Have the children share any characters, scenes or situations they thought were examples of satire. If your students are too young to do this, work through each situation and character as a group and discuss whether or not it is satirical.
Ask children what they think the storytellers are critiquing or commenting on with each instance of satire. For example, discuss how a certain scene suggests some kinds of characters are treated unfairly in traditional fairy tales.
Finish your lesson on satire with an activity or assignment. If your students are in middle school or high school, ask them to create their own short satirical story or drawing. Have younger students bring another a book, cartoon or drawing they think is satirical to your next class.