Introducing Seesaw

Dear Parents, 

We will start using a new digital tool called Seesaw to share what we're learning in class. I actually first introduced this app to my class last year (2015-16) and we all loved it so much that I decided to start using it again this year. Timing is everything, though, and I felt that waiting until after the fall (and busy holiday season!) was the best time to integrate this great digital tool.  

So, how does it work?? 

Your child will have his or her own "learning journal," and you can receive notifications when your child adds new items. It's completely private -- only you can see your child's journal outside of class. 

Click here to sign up -- it takes just 30 seconds. Once you sign up, you can download the FREE Seesaw Parent app for iPhone or Android, or access your child's journal on the web. (This is just an invitation and certainly not required. Even without your involvement, your child will still be able to create digital journal entries in school that we'll use to enhance learning.)  

Also, if your child has a device, could you please download the seesaw app sometime during the next few days? We will be using it in class on Sunday, January 21st. (There's no need to download a QR code reader, because this is already built into the Seesaw app.) As an FYI, there are actually two Seesaw apps. One is intended for the student and one is for parents. (It's set up for you to view your child's work, whereas the student app is for the creation of projects.)  

If you'd prefer your child not bring a device to school on Sunday, that's no problem. Once MAP Testing is finished, our class set of iPads will be available and I will be able to provide home for him/her. 

We're looking forward to further integrating technology into our lessons. Please be on the lookout for the individualized printed instructions that I send home on today (Monday).

And, thanks so much for your fantastic support. Together is better! :) 

P.S. If you have more than one child using Seesaw, or have used Seesaw before, sign in and click on your profile icon > + Add Child to add this year's journal.

Special Seesaw Feature for Parents

Dear Parents, 

This week, I received an email from Seesaw, an app you're all very familiar with by now, to inform me that parents can now download a .zip archive of their child’s work for free, anytime. "For parents who want to save their child’s work outside of Seesaw at the end of the year, this is a much simpler option than downloading files individually." 

To learn how it works, please view the information here. 

Thanks for all of your active participation. It always makes me smile to see so many of you interested in what your child (and other students) are posting. They sure are smart (and cute), aren't they?? 

Using Seesaw to Present Creature Creations

On Sunday, the children will be using Seesaw to give a short presentation about the animal they created. To do this, they will have the choice to either take a picture of their project, then record an audio file to describe it, or they can make a short video, which will include their presentation about the animal and the animal itself. Please use this, so you will know what information to include in your presentation.

I will guide them through the steps of how to actually record the audio or video, but I thought it would be helpful if the students (and you) have the rubric, so you will know how I will be grading them. This grade will be for the speaking and listening standard on the report card, not the science.

As part of the students' science grade for this unit, I will be looking at three things. The first is the actual model of their animal. The second is their brochure, and the third is an "open response" type of assessment, which I'll give next week. Please feel free to view this rubric, as it may help to guide your child as he/she finishes the brochure.

Please just let me know if you have any questions. The children are very excited to showcase their learning!!

Seesaw

Dear Parents, 

We will start using a new digital tool called Seesaw to share what we're learning in class. Your child will have his or her own "learning journal," and you can receive notifications when your child adds new items. It's completely private -- only you can see your child's journal outside of class. 

Click here to sign up -- it takes just 30 seconds. Once you sign up, you can download the FREE Seesaw Parent app for iPhone or Android, or access your child's journal on the web. (This is just an invitation and certainly not required. Even without your involvement, your child will still be able to create digital journal entries in school that we'll use to enhance learning.)  

Also, if your child has a device, could you please download the seesaw app sometime this weekend? We will be using it in class on Sunday, February 28th. (There's no need to download a QR code reader, because this is already built into the Seesaw app.) As an FYI, there are actually two Seesaw apps. One is intended for the student and one is for parents. (It's set up for you to view your child's work, whereas the student app is for the creation of projects.)  

If you'd prefer your child not bring a device to school on Sunday, that's no problem. I will be able to provide home for him/her. 

We're looking forward to integrating technology into our lessons! Please be on the lookout for the individualized printed instructions that I will be sending home on Thursday. 

And, thanks so much for your fantastic support. Together is better! :) 

Ms. Laura 

P.S. If you have more than one child using Seesaw, or have used Seesaw before, sign in and click on your profile icon > + Add Child to add this year's journal.