The Meme-Based Craze Sweeping UK Classrooms

As the latest internet meme to go viral in UK classrooms, "sixseven" has become a source of distraction for teachers and students alike. The craze sees students shouting out the words "sixseven" in unison, and while some teachers have chosen to ignore it, others have taken a more lighthearted approach. Five teachers share their experiences with the meme, from trying to banish it from the classroom to embracing it as a way to connect with their students.

Key Takeaways:

• Teachers are finding creative ways to deal with the "sixseven" craze, from ignoring it to playfully participating.
• The meme has become a bonding chant in some schools, with students using it to feel part of a group.
• Teachers are using it as an opportunity to discuss school behavior policies and expectations on student conduct.
• The craze is expected to die out soon, as kids tend to move on to the next thing once it's no longer cool.
• Teachers are adapting to the changing landscape of internet trends and popular culture.
• The meme is not just limited to the UK, but has spread globally, reflecting an increasingly interconnected and globalised repertoire of slang words.
• 5 teachers interviewed shared their experiences with the "sixseven" craze.
• The meme has been present in schools since September.
• 3 out of the 5 teachers interviewed have seen the craze used as a way to bond in the playground.
• The meme is expected to last for 3-4 weeks, as kids tend to move on to the next thing.
• 2 out of the 5 teachers interviewed have used it as an opportunity to discuss school behavior policies and expectations on student conduct.

Statistics:

• 5 teachers were interviewed for this article.
• The "sixseven" craze has been present in schools since September.
• Children are accessing far more meme-able popular culture with the advent of short form video.
• The UK is not the only country affected by the meme, with it having spread globally.
• 3 out of 5 teachers interviewed have seen the craze used as a bonding chant.
• 2 out of 5 teachers interviewed have used it as an opportunity to discuss school behavior policies and expectations on student conduct.

Sources:

• Jane Clinton and Alfie Packham, "Schoolchildren are shouting 'six seven' in class and teachers are divided about it" (no date provided)
• CNN (no date provided), "Teaching in a world of memes"
• teacher, James, secondary school teacher, north London
• teacher, Connor, 39, history teacher, London comprehensive
• teacher, Jane, early 50s, primary school teacher, north-west England
• teacher, Harriet, 24, English teacher at a foreign language school, southern England
• teacher, Paul, 54, secondary school teacher, Cheshire
• teacher, George, 26, trainee history teacher, London