Not for a grade and occurring in the last 5 to 10 minutes of a class on Fridays, students in an English class have been presenting “Hot Takes,” or strong opinions, on topics that they are passionate about. These can range anywhere from ranking Beyoncé albums to a student’s favorite marine animals.
“Hot Takes” has provided a break from the discussions and writing in the English class taught by Dr. Jenny Howell and has been an offering of fun to end the school week with laughs and bonding.
According to Dr. Howell, her main objective for creating “Hot Takes” was to foster camaraderie and provide a glimpse into students’ unique personalities.
“The major benefit is that it helps to build community,” Dr. Howell explained, adding that the fall semester has been typically dedicated to her students’ gelling together before she introduces “Hot Takes” in the spring.
The fun exercise has also helped students learn more about their classmates and their interests.
Junior Harrison Nguyen said he loves the “Hot Takes” activity.
“It provides a fun way to spark discussion and learn more about my classmates and their interests,” Nguyen said.
Dr. Howell recalled one of the most memorable and funny “Hot Takes” presentations she’d seen; it happened when a student ranked pasta shapes from worst to best, perfectly encapsulating the lighthearted and random nature that makes the activity so entertaining.
Recently, students’ “Hot Takes” have begun to focus on their classmates. Ranging from presentations about how each class member would die in the popular “Hunger Games” fiction to how each member of the class would appear as a “Star Wars” character or where each student will end up in 20 years, “Hot Takes” has provided a fun way for the students to bond.
The impact of “Hot Takes” has extended beyond mere entertainment, however. They have created a lively, supportive atmosphere where students feel connected and engaged. Through this unconventional approach, Dr. Howell has created an activity that students look forward to all week.
