by Kathy Cassidy | Mar 21, 2019 | Making The Shift, The How of 21st Century Teaching, Voices
Is using technology in the classroom a bumpy ride? You bet, says primary teacher Kathy Cassidy, who’s gained a worldwide reputation for her work with tools and apps in the primary classroom. “But we need to begin thinking the way our children do. We use technology not just because it is technology, but because of what it can do. It engages us and helps us to learn.” Teaching is always a journey over rough roads, Cassidy says. But we master what matters for kids.
by Kathy Cassidy | Mar 13, 2019 | Less Teacher, More Student, Making The Shift, Passion Based Learning, Voices
Science and health lend themselves easily to PBL (passion or project-based learning) in my mind. But I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it all work in a social studies unit about relationships, rules and responsibilities. I want this to be based on what the students are interested in. Yet there really is nothing about the words “relationships,†“rules†and “responsibilities†that has the ability to inspire passion in most six-year olds. But then I thought about our six Nintendo DS gaming devices.
by Kathy Cassidy | Feb 17, 2019 | Less Teacher, More Student, Passion Based Learning, PBL Units, The How of 21st Century Teaching, Voices
Because we are doing inquiry or PBL (passion-based learning) this year, my students have asked more questions than they ever have before in my classroom. Both the students and I are still learning about this process, but I like this shift. The person who asks the questions is in charge of the learning, and I want my grade one kids to be in charge of their own learning.
by Kathy Cassidy | Oct 20, 2015 | Creating Global Classrooms, future ready
“We’re going to use Skype?” “Yay!” “Can I talk?” These are some of the comments from my students when we use Skype in our classroom. Engagement is never an issue when we use this tool! But using Skype in a relevant way…that is another issue. If we are going to use...
by Kathy Cassidy | Jun 26, 2014 | The How of 21st Century Teaching, Voices
“While my six- and seven-year old students don’t yet even understand the words ‘digital’ or ‘citizenship,’ they also need direction and support as they explore online spaces,” writes primary teacher Kathy Cassidy. “In fact, they need this instruction even more than their older counterparts.” Here’s how Cassidy teaches kids to be good (and safe) digital citizens.