Youth Culture

Fads are constantly changing among today's youth.  With the prevalence of the Internet and social media, youth today is exposed to more music, trends, and fads than any previous generation.  I am going to highlight a current trend among youth culture, but remember this could all change by next week!

Taylor Swift

With her recent 1989 album release, Taylor Swift is back at #1 on the music charts.  I am sure you have heard kids singing her most popular single Shake It Off since its release in August.  Kids and adults alike love Taylor Swift, although this album is considered to be somewhat of a comeback album.  While Swift's album sales did not suffer with her last album Red, Swift received great criticism for her boy crazy antics.  Swift revamped her image and assured critics she has more to talk about than just boys.  

Despite your feelings about Taylor Swift, her popularity is undeniable and her appeal among students is something to capitalize on in the classroom.  Most of her songs convey positive messages and are catchy, to say the least.  Shake It Off is the perfect vehicle to talk about valuing each other's differences, as well as how to handle negative situations.  Have the kids watch the music video for Shake It Off and share their reactions to it.  Read this article if you do not catch the powerful messages of the video: 5 Surprising Lessons in Taylor Swift 'Shake It Off' Video

The song is also perfect for "shaking the sillies out."  Play the song and allow the kids to get up and sing and dance to the song halfway through the day.  It is okay to be silly in the classroom sometimes!

This may lead to a group of students who will NOT STOP singing Shake It Off.  They know every word, yet they cannot seem to remember the steps of the scientific method.  When planning your next kinesthetic activity, incorporate the song and dance into an activity.  You can change up the lyrics to teach a lesson about the scientific method.  Be creative and have fun adding actions to help students remember the steps.

Another option is to introduce a topic by listening to one of Taylor Swift's songs.  The song Mean is perfect for starting a conversation about how to handle negative feelings or even poetry.  

Music is one of the most powerful tools that can be used in the classroom.  Use the music your students enjoy to help them remember information and learn valuable lessons.  Enjoy the music video for Shake It Off :)