Teachers Tackle the 'Six-Seven' Meme Phenomenon in Classrooms

Introduction

In recent months, a viral trend has taken UK classrooms by storm, with students frequently exclaiming the phrase "six-seven" during lessons. This meme-inspired phenomenon has elicited a variety of reactions from teachers across the country. While some educators choose to overlook it, others have opted to incorporate it into their classroom dynamics. In this article, we hear from five teachers who share their experiences dealing with this quirky trend.

A Surprising Classroom Moment

“I thought I had said something rude”

In September, one teacher found themselves in a perplexing situation while addressing their Year 11 tutor group about preparing for the GCSE exams scheduled for June. While discussing potential grades, they mentioned something along the lines of "...if you're working to grades six, seven..." This led to an unexpected outburst of laughter from the entire class, catching the teacher off guard.

Their initial reaction was to wonder if they had inadvertently made an inappropriate comment, or if their accent had triggered the chuckles. Feeling a mix of exasperation and genuine curiosity, the teacher prompted the students to explain their laughter. However, the explanation didn’t clarify much, leaving the teacher still puzzled. They speculated that a gesture made during their speech, which involved weighing options, might have contributed to the humor. To mitigate the trend, this teacher has since tried to mention "six-seven" frequently, believing that adult participation could help diffuse the situation. After all, nothing quells a trend like an adult attempting to join in.

Managing Classroom Trends Effectively

“If you give oxygen to it, then it becomes an inferno”

Another educator shared their insights regarding the phenomenon, noting the importance of being aware of such trends to avoid awkward situations. They mentioned instances where discussions could inadvertently lead to the use of the phrase, such as when stating facts like “there were 6, 7 million unemployed people in Germany in 1933.”

This teacher emphasized the value of having a robust school behavior policy in place, which allows them to address disruptions like the "six-seven" meme when necessary. Fortunately, they reported minimal disruption in their lessons, only occasionally raising an eyebrow and acknowledging the students’ antics with a simple, “yes, that’s a number, well done.”

As they noted, giving attention to the trend could escalate it, so they opt to treat it like any other classroom distraction. Reflecting on past trends, such as the "9 + 10 = 21" meme, they acknowledged that children naturally gravitate towards such phenomena for amusement. In their view, it's essential for educators to redirect students back to their educational path, ultimately aiming for academic success rather than a lengthy list of behavioral issues.

The Social Aspect of Trends

“They want to feel a part of a group”

Another teacher observed that students often use the "six-seven" phrase as a bonding mechanism in the playground. The dynamic resembles a call-and-response or a football chant, where one student initiates the phrase and others respond, reinforcing their sense of group identity.

This teacher highlighted how such trends can serve as a social glue among students, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging. While these moments may seem trivial, they play a significant role in the social development of children, allowing them to connect and engage with their peers in a fun and memorable way.

Conclusion

The "six-seven" meme showcases the intersection of education and internet culture, illustrating how trends can permeate classrooms and influence student behavior. By understanding and addressing these phenomena, teachers can effectively manage their classrooms while also appreciating the social dynamics at play. As educators navigate these challenges, they not only maintain order in their lessons but also contribute to a supportive and connected learning environment. The ability to adapt to such trends reflects the evolving nature of teaching in our technology-driven world, reminding us that laughter and engagement can coexist with education.