Family App vs. Class App
Seesaw Support for Families
Overview
It may seem confusing that there are two Seesaw apps. However, the Seesaw Family App and the Seesaw Class App serve two different groups of users and have two different functions. Let’s find out more about the purposes and audiences that each app serves.
Understanding the Difference Between the Family and Class Apps
The Family App...
...is parent and caregiver-facing. Here, families log in to see their child’s or children’s journal. It is a communication tool that helps family members keep in touch with their child’s learning. Parents and caregivers can see the student work, like or “heart” the work, and make comments on it. The teacher can also message the parents and send announcements that are received through the Family App. Some students are motivated to do their best when they know that their family members will be providing feedback on or ask them about their work.
The Class App...
...is student-facing. Students use a variety of creative tools to capture their learning and thinking in a digital portfolio. This is also how students see the activities that have been assigned to them and turn in or submit responses to those activities. Teachers and students interact with the work and reflections that students share, and students benefit from the individual feedback.
Accessing the Family and Class Apps
Accessing the Family App as a Caregiver:
ON A COMPUTER:
Using a web browser, go to app.seesaw.me
Click "I'm a Family Member".
Login with the email address to which you received your Seesaw family login information.
ON A PHONE OR TABLET:
Download the Seesaw Family App from your phone or tablet's app store. If accessing via an ACPS provided iPad, this can be found in the Self-Service app.
Once downloaded, open the app.
Login with the email address to which you received your Seesaw family login information.
Accessing the Class App as a Student:
ON A COMPUTER:
Using a web browser, go to app. seesaw.me
Click "I'm a Student."
Login using the method appropriate to your grade level:
Students in Grades K-2: In the "Text Code" box, login using the Home Learning Code provided to you by your teacher. If your teacher provided a QR code, you may also use this by clicking "Scan Code." Either method is fine.
Students in Grades 3-5: Click "Sign in with Google". Sign in using your ACPS email address and password. Using a personal email address will not correctly connect your child to their teacher's class.
ON A PHONE OR TABLET:
Download the Seesaw Class App from your phone or tablet's app store. If accessing via an ACPS provided iPad, this can be found in the Self-Service app.
Once downloaded, open the app.
Login using the method appropriate to your grade level:
K-2: In the "Text Code" box, login using the Home Learning Code provided to you by your teacher. If your teacher provided a QR code, you may also use this by tapping "Scan Code." Either method is fine.
3-5: Tap "Sign in with Google". Sign in using your ACPS email address and password. Using a personal email address will not correctly connect your child to their teacher's class.
Common Questions About the Family and Class Apps
Q: Why can't I just use the Family App?
A: The Class App allows students to post to their journal and complete assigned activities using Seesaw's learning tools. The Family App is intended for family members to communicate with their child's teacher and view student work.
Q: Can students access activities in the Family App?
A: No. Students access activities in the Class App by signing in using the method appropriate for their grade level (see above).
Q: I'm sharing a device with my child. When on a table or phone, if I need to swap between the Class App and Family App, do I need to log out? What about on a computer using a web browser?
A: When using the apps on a tablet or phone, the Family and Class Apps function separately from one another, so there is no need to log out to switch between apps. If using a computer with a web browser, however, you will need to log out when switching between Apps. This can be done by clicking your name in the top left corner, clicking the gear, then clicking sign out.
Q: I'm a family member. Can my child and I use the same email address to log in to the Class App and Family App?
A: No. If you try to use the same email address for a student and family account, you will receive an error message.
Additional Resources:
A Tour of the Family App
Learn how to navigate the Seesaw Family App
Posting to Journals in the Class App
Understanding how students post to their journals in the Class App