Seesaw Basics
Learning Objectives
Overview of Seesaw
SeeSaw Features
Best Practices of Using Seesaw as a Teacher
What can I do with Seesaw?
Seesaw is very similar to Learning Management System (LMS) that is geared towards the elementary level grades
Seesaw allows:
Teachers can make announcements, assign interactive assignments, and receive data about student learning.
Seesaw Lessons strengthen what you’re already doing. Aligned to your curriculum and standards, Seesaw Lessons are ready to assign in Seesaw.
Students can show their learning in individual journals and assignments using a variety of tools such as drawing, audio/video recording, typing and more.
See all learning related to an activity, standard, or student in one place.
Parents are connected and engaged with what is happening in their child's classroom.
Messages
Messages is the new safe and flexible schoolwide messaging tool in Seesaw.
Messages is designed to be used by all users - admins, teachers, students, and families. Teachers can message any student(s) and can also message any of the classes they teach. By default, teachers can send "class group" messages to families in their classes by selecting from the "Add Classes" menu. By default, family members can initiate messages. (School admin have the option to restrict family messaging to class teachers only).
Students can ONLY start conversations with the teachers in their classes. Students cannot initiate messages with any other account type, including other students.
Create New Activity!
1. Click the ADD button
2. Select "Assign Activity"
3. Select "Create Activity"
Use your creativity and have fun!
*Don't forget to use the Creative Tools to make the Activity more dynamic!*
How to Use Seesaw Icon Shortcuts
Seesaw icons are a great way to make Activity instructions more visual and easier for students to follow.
1. Type in the text shortcut in between two : : (for example, camera icon)
2. When you save your activity, the icons will turn into emojis.
How to Use Seesaw for Assessment
When reviewing a student's post, teachers can add a star rating to capture how the student did overall on the assignment. The star rating can be added to any student post.
Teachers can choose between a 3, 4, 5, or 6-star rating scale in their Class Settings. Star ratings will show up in the Progress tab. These star ratings will not be visible to students or families, but a Progress Report can be shared at any time.
How to Use Skills
With Seesaw Skills, you can keep track of what skills or standards your students are working towards.
To Add a Skill:
1. Tap the wrench icon.
2. Tap "Manage Skills."
3. Tap "New Skill."
The only required fields are a name and Quick Code. Quick Codes are used to align state/school standards, but you may use whatever form of assessment you choose.
How to Add a Skill or Folder to an Activity assigned to your class:
1. Open an assigned Activity.
2. Tap the [...] button at the bottom of the Activity, then tap "Edit Activity."
3. Options to Edit Skills and Folders are at the bottom
How to use Skills View
With the Progress feature, teachers using Seesaw can easily view and understand student progress in Seesaw. Skills View provides a complete overview of student progress on key skills and standards tagged to posts in Seesaw classes.
1. Tap the "Progress" tab, then tap "Skills View."
2. You can filter by date range in the upper left corner, as well as by student name, Folder, or Skill. You can see the number of posts a student has completed for each Skill, as well as the color that corresponds to their most recent mastery.
How to Use Folders
Create folders in your class if you want to organize student work by subject area or learning objectives. Folders are visible to teachers and students, as well as family members if you have invited them to your class.
To create your folders:
1. Tap the the wrench icon on the top right-hand side of your screen.
2. Scroll down to "Manage Folders" and select "Create a Folder."
3. Name your folder and add a color.
4. You can also tap the blue folder icon next to your class feed.
How Families Access Seesaw
Parents and/or guardians can use the Seesaw Family app to see and comment on their child's work, view announcements and even message the teacher. Parents are not able to see names or assignments from other students.
Teacher/Home connection