Memes in the Classroom

Meme's can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. Below are three that I have created!

Meme 1: Surprised fish to be used as a reminder for classroom rules.

I would implement the use of this meme when students are not focused on the material or the presentations being given. Often students will say “I’m listening” while also attempting to work on another task at the same time. This meme will remind students that really paying attention means focusing on the ONE task at hand, and that they should do so with their eyes and entire face, not just their ears. The humor of the fish face should get their attention, but I also see myself trying to make a similar face to the students whenever I feel the need to point the meme out, adding an additional funny/ possible scary face to the meme without being too distracting.

Side note: this meme was adapted from a similar meme from the creator @toocool4MS

Meme 2: Dexter’s Library, Vocabulary/Speech Reminder

Because this meme is so popular right now, I decided to create my own version, but instead of adding a dialect, I inserted the correct pronunciation phonetically spelled out. Library is one of the most mispronounced words, often said “lieberry.” While there is only so much one can do to correct an accent, I can use this meme as an example of/in code switching. Students may use whatever language they would like at home or outside the classroom, but in school and in my class, we should all strive toward correct grammar and pronunciation. I see this meme being implemented in a middle school setting over a high school classroom.

Meme 3: Spark Notes

I have noticed that some students (particularly at the high school level) will not read the required novel and will sometimes just read the Spark Notes, if that. I would like students to actually read the entire text and I will be letting them know that there will be questions on the test that cannot be found on Spark Notes or other popular text-summarizing sites.

I am also a big Lord of the Rings fan, and I love this meme. I would initially think that the younger generation would not know the reference, but since it is one of the most popular memes, I believe that they would recognize it enough to appreciate it.'

I have created these memes using imgflip which was quick and easy, and perfect for a teacher with no time! 

Meme 1 (Fish Face): https://imgflip.com/i/2mqy6e 

Meme 2 (Dexter's Library): https://imgflip.com/i/2mr06v

Meme 3 (Spark Notes): https://imgflip.com/i/2nlz4k

Initial "good job" meme is another creative way that memes can be used in the classroom. It was found at https://www.thedad.com/teacher-uses-memes-to-grade-assignments-students-love-it/