Ms. Bird

High School English Teacher
Lover of Books
Bad Joke Enthusiast
Fire Up Chips!

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@AmandaD27557349 I think it has been easier as a teacher to use audio and video, but I think we have to remind ourselves to give opportunities for the students to use audio and video throughout. Not only in Zoom meetings, but for assignments too. #643Sp21 #GetPresent

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@Kirksey_choir It has made me thankful for the small teaching moments in face to face instruction! Giving feedback, being able to do a walk around and check in, all the little things that feel lost when being virtual.
#643Sp21 #GetPresent

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@MsKaileySevel This is a great idea! I do this with a clipboard in class and should utilize something like this online. I try to take time (even at the high school level) is to share in good moments and celebrations with my students.
#643Sp21 #GetPresent

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@srtaweaver @SarahPipes17 I feel like I do a good job of this in person, but this was an area of struggle online. Our classes are shortened, but we still try to get the same material in. I need to pause, and make sure to take moments to create cohesion.

#643Sp21 #GetPresent

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@innovative_inq @AmandaD27557349 I try to do this too with daily announcements. It lets those kids who were absent or maybe just out of focus remember what needs to happen and to know they have a place to check back in. #643Sp21 #GetPresent

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@Mrs_S_Klee I have also found that video platforms have been a great way to create presence. I have recently started to utilize Flipgrid. What platforms do you use?
#643Sp21 #NotADog

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@SarahAbent I too have noticed a change in how we facilitate discussion. I saw how important it was at the beginning to set up discussion expectations so students would know how to participate and create impactful discussions.
#643Sp21 #NotADog

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@Kirksey_choir What do you do to make your kids feel connected? I have found that when we went virtual we still have to find time to have social interactions before any solid learning takes place. It can even be something little like sharing good news in a breakout room!
#643Sp21 #SPOL

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@Kirksey_choir Not only would a student coffee shop be a great place for students when they were virtual, but a coffee shop for educators within a school would be a great place to create that connection and collaboration as well.
#643Sp21 #NotADog

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@GHoudek21 I have used Kahoot and it has become a classroom favorite. It has surveys, multiple choice, and even allows kids to work in teams! A great tool!
#643Sp21 #NotADog

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@Mrs_S_Klee What do you think is an appropriate amount of time to spend on ice breakers? Should they be spread out throughout the learning process, should the bulk of them be up front? I think community should always be taking moments to learn about each other.
#643Sp21 #NotADog

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@lexi_mcphee I have had a struggle with this, especially with my older kids. They will text each other on their phones, but won't do any discussion in class. Maybe I need to bring texting into my classroom #643Sp21 #SPOL

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@PJJarvis I agree! I think before learning can take place, relationships have to be established. This year more than ever, those relationships need to happen. However, it has to go two ways. We can only do so much!
#643Sp21 #SPOL

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@FREEMAN_Outside @innovative_inq I love this! I started making little video updates to post on our class page and it is something that both the kids and myself enjoy. Sometimes they are reminders, and sometimes they are just goofy!
#643Sp21 #SPOL

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@lexi_mcphee I agree that last minute changes can cause stress, but I think you have to be extra flexible when you are teaching virtual. We have to understand that we can't control everything and things will go wrong when technology is involved.
#643Sp21 #SPOResearch1

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@Kirksey_choir This was something I too had to grow with when being virtual. In class the feedback happens naturally when we are talking, but it has to be more intentional when we are online.
#643Sp21 #SPOResearch1

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@SarahAbent If anything, I feel like students need it more online, and finding that balance can be stressful. It is a crucial part of the job, and I think it's important to get the students involved in this conversation too!
#SPOL #643Sp21

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@innovative_inq And this has to continuously be happening! I think being virtual it is important to review these expectations throughout the year.
#SPOResearch1 #643Sp21

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@lexi_mcphee What strategies do you use to give emotional support with being virtual? This is an area that I have been trying a variety of strategies, but haven't found something that I felt was working yet.

#SPOResearch1 #643Sp21

[Ms. Bird @MsBirdsWords]

@HansaNarang17 Break out rooms have been my saving grace this year. Although I realized that you have to teach expectations for break out rooms, just like you would in class.

#SPOResearch1 #643Sp21