Keeping students engaged in today’s digital age may be the biggest challenge we’ve encountered in our classrooms. How do we keep this generation of students engaged and interested when the most engaging device that’s ever been invented sits in their back pocket, able to access any information or stimuli imaginable? That question drives the work we do at Edtomorrow!
Memes are significant players in the digital world. People of all ages enjoy memes and the lessons, often humorous, they can offer. Knowing that Memes are great engagers, we’ve got a quick, fun, and surprisingly educational activity that takes less than five minutes but will have your students buzzing with excitement: The 5-Minute Meme Challenge! My wife, Cortney, started doing this with her 4th/5th-grade students as part of her approach, and it would be a great strategy to share if you are looking to mix it up a bit!
Here’s how it works: Kick off the activity by presenting a funny, interesting, or thought-provoking phrase to your class. This could be anything from a popular saying, a line from a book they’re reading, or a concept from the current lesson. The quirkier, the better!
Then, set the clock for five minutes and let the creativity flow. Students can work individually or in small groups to create a meme that illustrates or interprets the phrase provided. They can draw their memes on paper or use any school-approved digital tools.
This activity is not just a way to inject some fun into the classroom; it’s also a fantastic opportunity for students to express their understanding and perspective in a format they love and understand. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy, all within a tight five-minute window.
If you have time, wrap up by having a quick show-and-tell session where students can share their creations. If you don’t have time, consider having students present their creations the next time you find a few moments!
This activity fosters a sense of community and allows for a few laughs and a lot of learning along the way. Give it a try! Your classroom will never be livelier!
-John Whalen, Cofounder of Edtomorrow