‘It’s impossible not to smile’: several UK educators on handling ‘‘sixseven’ in the school environment

Throughout the UK, learners have been calling out the words “sixseven” during classes in the most recent viral phenomenon to spread through educational institutions.

Although some instructors have opted to stoically ignore the craze, some have embraced it. A group of instructors share how they’re dealing.

‘My initial assumption was that I’d uttered something offensive’

During September, I had been addressing my year 11 students about getting ready for their GCSE exams in June. I can’t remember specifically what it was in relation to, but I said a phrase resembling “ … if you’re working to results six, seven …” and the entire group started chuckling. It took me entirely unexpectedly.

My initial reaction was that I’d made an reference to something rude, or that they perceived an element of my accent that seemed humorous. Slightly frustrated – but truly interested and aware that they weren’t hurtful – I got them to explain. To be honest, the explanation they provided failed to create significant clarification – I still had no idea.

What could have rendered it especially amusing was the considering movement I had made while speaking. I have since discovered that this typically pairs with “six-seven”: I meant it to help convey the act of me speaking my mind.

With the aim of eliminate it I attempt to mention it as frequently as I can. No strategy deflates a phenomenon like this more emphatically than an teacher attempting to participate.

‘If you give oxygen to it, then it becomes an inferno’

Being aware of it aids so that you can avoid just unintentionally stating remarks like “indeed, there were 6, 7 thousand people without work in Germany in 1933”. If the number combination is unavoidable, maintaining a rock-solid student discipline system and expectations on learner demeanor really helps, as you can address it as you would any additional disruption, but I rarely needed to implement that. Guidelines are one thing, but if pupils buy into what the school is practicing, they will remain better concentrated by the internet crazes (especially in instructional hours).

Concerning six-seven, I haven’t sacrificed any lesson time, other than for an occasional quizzical look and saying ““indeed, those are numerals, excellent”. If you give attention to it, it transforms into an inferno. I address it in the identical manner I would treat any additional disturbance.

There was the mathematical meme phenomenon a few years ago, and undoubtedly there will emerge a different trend subsequently. That’s children’s behavior. During my own growing up, it was performing comedy characters impressions (truthfully away from the classroom).

Students are unforeseeable, and I think it’s the educator’s responsibility to react in a way that guides them in the direction of the path that will get them toward their academic objectives, which, fingers crossed, is graduating with academic achievements instead of a behaviour list a mile long for the utilization of meaningless numerals.

‘Students desire belonging to a community’

Students employ it like a bonding chant in the recreation area: a pupil shouts it and the others respond to indicate they’re part of the identical community. It’s like a verbal exchange or a sports cheer – an common expression they possess. I believe it has any particular significance to them; they simply understand it’s a trend to say. Whatever the current trend is, they desire to feel part of it.

It’s forbidden in my teaching space, nevertheless – it results in a caution if they call it out – similar to any additional calling out is. It’s particularly tricky in mathematics classes. But my class at primary level are pre-teens, so they’re fairly accepting of the guidelines, while I appreciate that at teen education it could be a different matter.

I’ve been a educator for fifteen years, and such trends persist for a few weeks. This phenomenon will die out soon – it invariably occurs, especially once their little brothers and sisters commence repeating it and it ceases to be fashionable. Then they’ll be on to the next thing.

‘Sometimes joining the laughter is necessary’

I began observing it in August, while educating in English language at a international school. It was primarily male students uttering it. I instructed teenagers and it was prevalent with the junior students. I was unaware what it was at the time, but I’m 24 years old and I realised it was merely a viral phenomenon similar to when I attended classes.

Such phenomena are always shifting. “Skibidi toilet” was a popular meme during the period when I was at my teacher preparation program, but it failed to exist as much in the educational setting. In contrast to ““67”, “skibidi toilet” was not inscribed on the board in instruction, so learners were less equipped to adopt it.

I typically overlook it, or periodically I will smile with the students if I accidentally say it, trying to relate to them and understand that it is just youth culture. I believe they simply desire to experience that feeling of community and companionship.

‘Lighthearted usage has diminished its occurrence’

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Steven Rhodes
Steven Rhodes

A seasoned traveler and writer passionate about uncovering hidden gems and sharing cultural insights from her global adventures.