Hunter Birdyshaw

@maggieleemchugh Great point! It’s all about meeting the child where they are and building from there! #pblchat #umedtech

@hunterb312 I agree, and yet, the sport connection might just be the hook to bring the academic shine forward, too... I have seen it happen with students who all of a sudden become leaders in the academic classroom. Keep a balance! #pblchat

FA: That’s a hard question. From a parent’s perspective, I almost want the sport to be about the sport, and letting the child disconnect and shine physically. Sometimes the students that shine athletically don’t always shine academically. Keep it no pressure! #pblchat #umedtech

A4: my 1st grade team has never been closer or more connected than we have been during quarantine. Much like sports teams we are playing to our individual strengths and providing opportunities for eachother to shine. #pblchat #umedtech

A3: I won’t say it’s a sport, but I have set up a sight word hopscotch for my 6 yo. Just incorporating the physical component increases engagement and retention. It also helps to get him ready for nap time lol #pblchat #umedtech

@cfanch I agree! I have years that friendly competition works, and some years that it fails! You have to know your audience. #pblchat #umedtech

A2: I found out the hard way that having sports as a topic isn't bad but making things competitive can really turn off students who don't like that. #pblchat

A2: Being a first grade teacher I think sports can be used for collaborations for community building, but also with math skills and even geometry. #pblchat #umedtech

@cfanch There is nothing like it! I think I look forward to it more than my son lol

@hunterb312 My youngest is 20 but I remember years of baseball. It really is like family out there. #pblchat

A1: I am definitelymissing baseball and all my friends that I have made at the ball field! This is normally my favorite time of year with my son. I know my students are missing their ballpark time as well! #pblchat #umedtech

@JennyPieratt It’s honestly the best support system and group of instant friends!

@hunterb312 yes-I miss my fellow team parents as much as my kids miss their friends!

Hi! I’m Hunter Birdyshaw. I teach first grade in Hoover, AL. My favorite team is any team my 6 year old son is playing on! #pblchat #umedtech

What would you add to this already amazing list of #remotelearning tips from @wendi322 ? #distancelearning #edchat

Hanging out with just a few of my best friends this morning! #umedtech

Hat day for my buddy for Helena Elementary’s virtual spirit week!

@hunterb312 @Hypepraise Hi Hunter! We have some really great ideas to look into in our #K2CanToo blog post here blog.flipgrid.com/news/k2cantoo

@ChristineLeema2 Exactly! I have told my parents at the very least, let their child read a book and then go outside! Mental health for parents, students, and teachers is more important right now!

@hunterb312 Along with the grade level, we are reminded to consider that parents are in difficult situations as well (ex. some are essential workers). Parents are told to simply do what they can - no pressure. #edtechchat

A6: Since I teach 1st grade, we are giving A LOT of grace! I haven't had to deal with this issue yet, but I would contact the parents and see what I could do to further simply the assignments and make them work for the student and time frame of the family. #edtechchat #umedtech

A7: I definitely think there is going to to be a push to use technology, 1:1 devices, and the option of remote learning. I just hope that this doesn't move us to far away from what we know is best practice at the elementary level #edtechchat #umedtech

A5: Honestly I consider some of these types of chats as PD. They give me a lot of resources, ideas, and motivation! It's encouraging to know that we are all struggling and learning together. #edtechchat #umedtech

@Hypepraise I agree! I’m trying to navigate how flipgrid will work in 1st grade!

#edtechchat a4: flipgrid will become more a part of my classroom and I will find ways to use One Note and classroom notebooks more. The one class a day I teach is so participation based that it is sometimes harder to find engaging ways to incorporate the tech

A4: I will definitely make sure that even my 1st graders are more familiar with web based resources and assessments. I do an okay job, but I will be making sure that I am using seesaw, Google classroom, and flipgrid to its full potential. #edtechchat #umedtech