Engaging students in a classroom setting can be challenging, especially when it comes to offering them relevant and exciting material to discuss. One way to captivate their attention is by incorporating popular culture into lesson plans. A perfect example of this would be teaching students about Dustin from Stranger Things, the hit Netflix show that has taken the world by storm.
Dustin, portrayed by Gaten Matarazzo, is one of the beloved main characters in Stranger Things. As an intelligent and kind-hearted middle schooler, he breaks stereotypes while navigating friendships, romance, and supernatural events in his small town. Through exploring Dustin’s character development, educators can discuss various themes such as friendship, loyalty, bravery, and acceptance.
To begin elucidating Dustin’s journey in Stranger Things, establish a space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and discussing the show. Provide them with a brief synopsis of his character arc from season one to the current season without delving into spoilers. Encourage students to share their impressions of Dustin and his relationships with other characters.
Next, prompt them to consider how Dustin’s character challenges conventional stereotypes associated with nerdiness or intelligence. Additionally, explore how his depiction positively portrays neurodiversity – as the actor Gaten Matarazzo has cleidocranial dysplasia – fostering awareness and acceptance among viewers.
Incorporate multimedia resources during your lessons as well. For instance, play clips from Stranger Things featuring scenes with Dustin that exemplify specific values like teamwork and persistence. Then lead a discussion around these scenes that explores the role he plays within his circle of friends.
One activity that promotes creativity while reinforcing key themes is assigning students a writing task where they create a new adventure for Dustin’s character within Hawkins or another setting. This allows them to demonstrate their understanding of his friendships and values woven throughout the show while sparking imaginative thought.
Furthermore, you can introduce a research component by asking students to investigate an aspect of the 1980s and how it relates to Stranger Things. As Dustin is an ardent fan of science, technology, and pop culture from the decade, students can explore connections between topics such as the rise of personal computers or arcade games and the show’s overall themes.
In conclusion, using Dustin from Stranger Things as an educational tool not only provides a fresh and engaging learning experience for your students but also allows them to explore meaningful themes that will resonate with them beyond the classroom walls. By embracing popular culture in your teaching, you foster an environment where students feel excited to learn and share their ideas.
