My Week Teaching Marketing at a Local Middle School

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to spend a full week at a local middle school working directly with students and introducing them to the world of marketing. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had because I got to see curiosity, creativity, and excitement in action every day.

Day One: The Four P’s

We kicked off the week by exploring the four P’s: product, price, place, and promotion. I started with examples that were familiar to the students, like their favorite snacks, video games, or clothing brands. I explained how marketers decide what products to create, how to price them, where to sell them, and how to promote them to the right audience. After a brief presentation, the students worked in groups to analyze a real-world product and identify each of the four P’s. Their observations were thoughtful and sometimes hilarious, and it was clear they were beginning to see marketing in everyday life.

Day Two: Understanding Target Audiences

On the second day, we focused on target audiences. I guided students through exercises to help them think critically about who buys a product and why. We discussed age, interests, and lifestyle factors, and then they applied these concepts to mock campaigns they created in small groups. One group, for example, pitched a snack product aimed at gamers and even suggested social media influencers who might promote it. Their creativity and attention to detail made it obvious that they understood the concept deeply.

Day Three: Strategy and Brainstorming

Strategy was our focus on day three. I explained how companies develop campaigns based on goals, research, and market trends. Then the students worked in teams to brainstorm their own marketing campaigns for a product of their choice. We used whiteboards and sticky notes to map out ideas for slogans, visuals, and ways to reach their target audience. The energy in the room was incredible, and students built on each other’s ideas in ways that showed they were not just learning theory but actively thinking like marketers.

Day Four: Digitalization and Social Media

Day four was all about digital marketing and social media. I showed examples of campaigns on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and explained how brands engage audiences online. The students were immediately engaged because these were platforms they use every day. They analyzed what made some campaigns go viral and why others did not. We then played a Kahoot quiz with questions about social media trends and strategies. The room was full of excitement, laughter, and friendly competition, which made the learning process feel fun and interactive.

Day Five: Presentations and Reflections

On the final day, the students put together short presentations about the campaigns they had brainstormed during the week. Each group presented their ideas, explaining how they considered the four P’s, target audience, strategy, and digital outreach. It was amazing to see how much their ideas had evolved over just a few days. After the presentations, we had a discussion about what they had learned and how they could apply these concepts in the real world. Many students expressed how they had never thought about marketing in such a detailed and creative way before, and it was clear they were proud of their work.

The Impact

Working directly with students for a full week was incredibly rewarding. I saw firsthand how interactive activities, games, and discussions can make marketing concepts exciting and relatable. The students were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and brought their own creativity and humor to every activity.

This experience reminded me that marketing is more than theory; it is about creativity, strategy, and understanding people. Seeing students take ownership of their ideas and apply the concepts we discussed was inspiring. It reinforced why teaching and mentorship are so powerful. I left the school feeling energized and grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge while also learning from their perspectives and fresh ideas.

Overall, spending a week with these middle school students was unforgettable. It was a unique chance to make marketing tangible, fun, and accessible. More than that, it showed me the incredible potential of young minds when they are given the tools and encouragement to explore, create, and engage with new concepts.