Speak Their Language: How Emojis and TikToks Can Improve Classroom Management

Why Learning Your Students’ Language Might Be the Best Thing You Do This Year

Let’s be real:
🎯 Emojis.
🎯 TikToks.
🎯 Stories. Shares. Snaps. Tags.

Who can possibly keep up?

In today’s whirlwind of social media and tech tools, it can feel impossible to stay current—especially when your students seem to adopt a new platform before you’ve even learned the last one. But here’s a thought that might shift your perspective: What if learning just a little of their language could transform your entire classroom?

The Homework You Didn’t Expect (But Might Need to Do)

We ask students to do homework all the time. But when was the last time we did some ourselves—on their terms? Learning the language of today’s students means stepping into their world. And while it may seem overwhelming, the reward is big: engagement, connection, and improved classroom management.

No, you don’t need to become a TikTok influencer. But understanding the basic tools and platforms your students use every day could help you meet them where they are—and bring that energy into your lessons.

Classroom Management Without the Carrots and Sticks

Traditionally, we’ve leaned on rules, expectations, consequences, and behavior charts to manage our classrooms. And while structure still matters, what if we told you there's a better way?

Award-winning educator Mike Roberts says this:

“If you create an environment that kids love, that’s engaging to them, you won’t have any classroom management problems at all.”

That’s not just wishful thinking. It’s a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing on compliance, focus on connection. Create a space where kids want to be, and many of the behavior challenges fade away.

Try This Tomorrow: Emojis, TikToks, and Tweets as Learning Tools

Imagine asking students to summarize a lesson in a tweet. Or to create a TikTok that reflects what they learned about a historical event or scientific principle. These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re bridges. And they work.

One educator who initially doubted this approach gave it a try. The result? Students lit up. They wanted to learn. They chose to engage. And they remembered the content.

Read it

When kids love the environment they’re in, they show up differently. They participate. They thrive. And you, as the teacher, get to stop spending so much energy on managing behavior—and start spending more time teaching.

The Final Word

You don’t need to be an expert in every new platform. But learning just enough to speak your students’ language—and integrating it into your teaching—can change everything.

Want to explore strategies that make this easy and effective? Look into resources from educators who’ve done it successfully. Start small. One emoji. One TikTok-style exit ticket. One student-led post.

And see what happens when your classroom becomes a place students truly want to be.