5 Ways to Use Memes In The Classroom
Course Objectives:
Identify 5 ways to use memes in the classroom
Access meme slide starters for use with younger students
Create a meme using slide starter
Share memes with the community using Seesaw
Determine assessment criteria for memes
Identify a variety of ways to create memes in the classroom
Why use memes with students?
Real-world - Students recognize memes as part of their world. Applying the meme concept to information learned in school makes learning more relevant.
Capture attention - Students recognize memes and pay attention to them
Assess previous knowledge - Students who do not have necessary background information may not understand a meme
Makes learning memorable - Students who collaborate to create their meme use academic vocabulary and accountable talk to come to a decision about the message. The process involved creates memories that make retention more likely.
Promotes student ownership - Students own the work they create, especially if they know it will be displayed on a global scale.
Requires higher order thinking -Students choose an image and pair text that reflects learning/understanding of a given concept.
Classroom Applications
1. Ice Breaker
Help students feel more at ease at the beginning of the year by using Memes to introduce yourself or beginning of year concepts.
This meme could be projected as students enter the classroom. Each student can add a post to a collaboration board expressing what they think they can learn about you from the meme.
2. Teach Classroom Expectations
Teach classroom expectations in a way students will remember. Memes make ideas more memorable.
Use memes to make going over classroom expectations more memorable and fun. Post the class expectations around the room in the form of memes for a more user friendly approach to classroom management.
3. Introduce a new concept
Memes are great ways to introduce new topics.
This meme could work for introducing the Periodic Table for the first time.
4. A Tool for Analysis
Students can show what they understand by creating their own memes.
This meme shows that the student understands that Hamlet's encounter with his father's ghost may have been an indication that he was seeing things that weren't really there. The student understands that Hamlet may have been going insane.
5. Teach Vocabulary
Use a memorable image and the vocabulary word with definition to help students remember what words mean.
For a vocabulary activity, have the students create their own memes with a few of the vocabulary words and share with the class. Explaining why they chose the image will help others remember the meaning.
Making Memes
There are many sites online that can be used to create memes. Be careful if using one of these sites as they often feature popular memes that may have adult language and concepts that are not appropriate for younger students. These issues can be easily avoided by using digital tools like Google slides, Seesaw, or Power Point.
Things to consider before you start your meme project with students:
Where will my students get their images?
How will products be assessed?
How will products be shared?
Will students work in teams, pairs, or individually?
A shared slide presentation like the one shown here can be used to provide students with many image and content choices as well as assessment criteria.
Kiddle is a Google search engine designed for young students to use. If elementary students are going to search the internet, Kiddle is a good place to start teaching them the basics of searching in a safer environment.
Keep in mind, no matter how powerful the filters, sometimes inappropriate content slips through. Be sure to talk to students about what to do Before sending them online to search. For more information about being safe online, check out Common Sense Education.
How to Assess Memes
Rubrics or checklists are a good way to assess memes. Students should understand the criteria for assessment BEFORE beginning the project. Below is an example of one way to assess memes. Consider the age, maturity level, and content requirements when deciding how work will be assessed.
Ways to Publish/Share Memes
Student ownership is increased when the products they create will be viewed by a global audience. Student work can safely be published using a variety of means.
Print and display - One of the simplest ways to display student work is to print and hang it on the wall in the classroom, hallway, or bulletin board.
Class Newsletter - Student work can be featured on the class newsletter.
QR Code - any digital content can be published and a QR code generator. Any smart device can scan the code and see the student work.
Google Sites - Student work can be displayed on a Google Site created for free by the teacher.
Seesaw Blog - Student work can be selected by the teacher or student to be included on the class blog. (Teacher approval required)
Flip Grid - Image of student work can be uploaded or linked on a Flip Grip page.
Teacher Web Page - Teachers can embed objects on their class stream including google slide presentation of student work exemplars.
Student Created Memes
Teacher Created Memes
References:
https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2017/09/how-memes-can-make-lessons-interesting
Special thank you to Mrs. Davis' fourth grade students for allowing their work to be shared on this site.
Clarksville, Tennessee is my home and I have worked there at CMCSS, for 23 years in various roles.
I have three grown children, one grandchild, and one great-grand horse.
Twitter handle: @jreaderh
Email: julie.combs@cmcss.net
Experience:
NCCE Professional Learning Specialist
Technology Integration Coach
K-12 At-Risk Coordinator
Middle and Elementary Classroom Instructor
Education:
Arkansas State University- EDS Educational Leadership
Cumberland University- MA Education
University of Tennessee- BS Elementary Education