Pinterest is a great place to look up pictures of clothes and fashion, and to find different ideas for fashion items. However, it can also be used in the classroom, especially if the pupils enjoy online treasure hunts.
In these days of fashion and influencers, there is no lack of interest amongst teens for different clothes and the latest drops (a release of the latest fashion must-haves). Some educators may be tired of students constantly looking up Instagram and other apps to see what new style is being promoted by their favorite celebrity. However, this interest can be turned into a classroom activity.
To begin the exercise, start discussing celebrities and influencers with students.
“Who is your favorite influencer?”
Allow the students to discuss this for a while and then let each student explain who their favorite celebrity is and why. It is safe to assume that one of the reasons will be style.
Once the students have discussed their celebrities, the teacher should have gleaned a pattern of who likes who. At this point, students can be grouped together by similar celebrities or looks.
Style comes into focus now. Ask the students: “What is your favorite outfit for this celebrity?”
Let the students search online and find a picture of their beloved idol in a costume they like (this of course doesn’t have to be limited to clothes, it could be accessories, makeup or jewelry). Let each group pick their favorite image and then share it with the class.
Now, Pinterest comes into play. Have each group open Pinterest and search for the outfit. If it is made of different elements, then they have to try to find each element of the costume (e.g. the clothes and accessories, etc.). When the students have found the exact match then they have completed their treasure hunt.
Of course, that is not all. There will be a lot of new vocabulary about different design elements and the students will also learn where celebrities get their fashion from and how costly or sustainable it may or may not be. Also, the students may not be able to find the exact outfit, but very similar designs instead. This will help them learn about variety and how small changes in color or fit can make a big difference.
After the exercise the students may also become aware of how much effort goes into selecting each outfit or costume. And that when they see celebrities on social media parading in the latest fashion, it isn’t just a case of buying something in a shop and wearing it to a gala event – it requires a lot of planning and organization. This exercise is not just good for vocabulary but also to determine students’ views of social media posts.
Dr. John Jennings is an Educational Theorist from Galway, he has a PhD in TESOL with research in social media and education. He has researched the perceptions that students have of social media in education and how it affects their interaction with the academic world. He is also an avid virtual runner. Links: https://linktr.ee/dr.johnjennings
