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4-H clover 4-H ag in the virtual classroom

chickens eating seed

Most people’s world has changed in the last couple weeks and they are unsure what the next couple of weeks will look like. For students, their classes have turned online, teachers are away from their students and parents are looking for ways to entertain and still teach their children from home. 

crystal reith portrait

Crystal Reith, an Extension educator in Cottonwood County, has engaged video technology and social media to keep teaching and spread the importance of animal agriculture knowledge with young people. “I have been doing ag in the classroom for years. Every spring, our family raises chicks and I bring them into first-grade classrooms to teach with. The students watch them grow and ask questions. Not to mention, they are just cute.” Because classes have now gone online, Crystal decided to use this opportunity to bring students onto her farm using video and social media.

“The teachers were on board so I decided to give it a try. My children and husband help me, which is great.” Crystal’s videos have featured different growth stages and care activities for their chicks and beef cattle. They are published twice weekly.

Crystal enjoys the challenge of keeping young people connected and engaged in learning via distance. “It’s important to use what we have to teach agriculture today.” Her next video topic is egg incubation. “Keep an eye on the Cottonwood County 4-H Facebook page to watch and learn!” 

 

 

Catie Schmidt is a University of Minnesota student and Wisconsin 4-H alum

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