Pop Culture: What’s Hot and Trending Now!
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about pop culture.
- Talk about famous people, trends, and internet jokes.
- Read about how funny pictures on the internet have changed.
- Listen to someone talk about making a funny picture that became famous online.
- Write about social media and how it affects young people.
Key Words:
- Pop Culture: Things that are popular now, like music, movies, TV shows, fashion, and internet trends.
- Celebrity: A famous person, like a singer, actor, or athlete.
- Trend: Something that is popular for a short time.
- Meme: A funny picture or video that is shared online and becomes very popular.
- Influencer: A person who has a lot of followers online and can influence what others like.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Who is your favorite celebrity? Why do you like them?
- What is a popular trend in your country right now? (A fashion trend, a music trend, a dance craze, etc.)
- Have you seen any funny memes online recently? What makes them funny?
Let’s Read!
Memes started out as simple pictures with funny words on them. Now, memes can be videos, GIFs, or even songs. They can be funny, serious, or even political. Memes are a big part of how we communicate online and share our ideas.
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short interview with someone who created a viral meme. Focus on how they came up with the idea and why they think it became popular.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a journalist interviewing a young person about pop culture.
Example:
- Journalist: “What are some of the biggest trends among your friends right now?”
- Young Person: “Well, everyone is talking about this new dance on TikTok…”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about how social media influences young people. Is it mostly positive or negative? Why do you think so?
Extra Fun:
Create your own meme! You can use a picture you find online or take your own photo. Add a funny caption and share it with your friends.
