Turns out now that teaching sixth grade is kind of like being stuck in middle school the musical. Without warning, my background music during work time can cause an eruption of elaborately choreographed dance moves from the majority of my students. These days, pencil tapping and fidgets have given way to flailing arms that jut out and move in all directions.
Did I ever think I’d see the day when a social media platform would cause kids to spend hours memorizing dances and performing them throughout their everyday life?
Um, no. I’m from the 90s. We were proud we learned the electric slide and the hand motions for 2 Legit 2 Quit.
So when I think of how students have changed, I am honestly struck by their desire and commitment to dance. Publicly. Constantly.
Social media comes with its drawbacks and benefits for students - some of which I’ll unpack at later times - but this week, I’m reflecting on how Tik Tok has unearthed a deep desire in our kids to move, to participate in the collective, and to be seen. This translates to the learning environment in interesting ways. How can we create authentic learning experiences for them that capitalize on their desire to share broadly? How can we recognize and replicate that when they enjoy something they commit to it tirelessly?
In some ways, these kids are bolder and less self-conscious than students I’ve worked with before. On the other hand, I sense deeper needs for affirmation. I’ve always believed in affirmation to motivate students, but how can I do it in a way that connects with what matters to them? How can I celebrate their learning in ways that motivate them?
I won’t be on Tik Tok any time soon. After all, I have live performances daily. But, I am thinking about what it means to be a kid today and how that impacts learning, motivation, and needs in the classroom.
Did I ever think I’d see the day when a social media platform would cause kids to spend hours memorizing dances and performing them throughout their everyday life?
Um, no. I’m from the 90s. We were proud we learned the electric slide and the hand motions for 2 Legit 2 Quit.
So when I think of how students have changed, I am honestly struck by their desire and commitment to dance. Publicly. Constantly.
Social media comes with its drawbacks and benefits for students - some of which I’ll unpack at later times - but this week, I’m reflecting on how Tik Tok has unearthed a deep desire in our kids to move, to participate in the collective, and to be seen. This translates to the learning environment in interesting ways. How can we create authentic learning experiences for them that capitalize on their desire to share broadly? How can we recognize and replicate that when they enjoy something they commit to it tirelessly?
In some ways, these kids are bolder and less self-conscious than students I’ve worked with before. On the other hand, I sense deeper needs for affirmation. I’ve always believed in affirmation to motivate students, but how can I do it in a way that connects with what matters to them? How can I celebrate their learning in ways that motivate them?
I won’t be on Tik Tok any time soon. After all, I have live performances daily. But, I am thinking about what it means to be a kid today and how that impacts learning, motivation, and needs in the classroom.