Connected From The Start: Global Learning in Primary Grades

Kathy Cassidy was so kind to extend a copy of her new book Connect from the Start: Global Learning in Primary Grades to me. Globally connected learning is a passion of mine, as regular readers of Langwitches can attest to. I was eager to read Kathy’s book, which is grounded in authentic experiences from her 1st grade classroom.

From the first chapter on, the voice of “having been there herself”, guides the reader through the worries of “How am I going to have the time?” and “I don’t know anything about technology” to the reassuring “I can do this!”. I have met Kathy in person, as both of us presented at Alan November’s Building Learning Communities Conference in Boston. The same quiet, reassuring, “speaking from experience” voice comes through in her book. You will not find her ranting and raving to teachers about how they are not doing this, nor doing that, but instead shares:

• Why Connect
• Connecting with Skype
• Why we Use Blogs to Connect
• How to Blog with Primary Students
• Using Blogs as Digital Portfolios
• Connecting with Twitter
• Other Ways to Connect
• Open Your Classroom to the World

Each chapter will not only give you the pedagogical reasoning behind using the selected tools, building of skills and literacies, but includes short tech explanations, embedded video examples and links to more in depth blog posts and articles.

The first person, I thought of immediately who NEEDED to read this book was my daughter, who recently graduated with a degree in elementary education. Connected from the Start should be required reading for all new teachers, better yet, for all pre-service teachers. The book inspires, guides and gives practical how to get started advice. Although Kathy is a first grade teacher, I believe the book is relevant for all grade levels. Yes… including middle and high school. Teachers who have imagination and the desire to perfect their teaching craft will be able to tweak lessons learned to connect to their own curriculum, subject area and grade level.

I also wholeheartedly agree with Dean Shareski, who in the foreword points out the best part of the book is yet to come:

After you finish reading it, unlike many authors, you’ll not be finished learning with Kathy. As I mentioned before, she’s very gracious and willing to help. Yes, she’s a full time classroom teacher, but it doesn’t stop her from reaching out and sharing with whomever reaches out to her.  She continues to blog, tweet and post questions and ideas that engage her and other in her learning network.

This book is not just talking about WHAT teachers could be doing with their students (even the younger ones), but Kathy models every day how to work, learn and expand her own learning network, which in return will benefit and connect her students.

Press Release: