Back to school - now what with Seesaw?

5/15/2020

So you might be going back to school now - in New Zealand we are. Level 2 means schools are open again and that means teachers and students are to return for a new norm. What will it look like? I don't know. But one thing is for sure, I will be continuing on with my digital skills that I have using during distant learning. A huge part of this is using Seesaw.

As you know already, Seesaw is my all time favourite app for the classroom. The possibilites with this are endless. What I love is the opportunities for students to document their own learning, reflect on it and use the tools to create content that is relevant to the student themselves. The learning can then be shared with family members to bring them into the classroom.

What are some things you can do to keep Seesaw going in your classroom?

Making time
To continue with Seesaw in the classroom you can start by time in your programme to use Seesaw. This could be in reading, writing, maths or an allocated afternoon slot. Continue the skills you have been practicing at home but within the class context now.
Some of these could involve modelling, explicit sharing and even coaching from other students.

Class Codes
Now we are back in class, the home learning codes won't be needed - unless you have students using them still. When in class, you use the class codes which can be printed via your Seesaw screen and students can join via QR code. They simply scan the code via the class app and student mode, then have access to the class work to add their learning.

The home learning codes are great for students that are working from home but when you are back in class, you can swap over to the class codes which are designed to be used in the classroom.

Seesaw space in the classroom
If you have space, create a Seesaw area in your classroom where students can go to for help or assistance in the classroom. I have things set up in my space that will help students independently. I use the freebie posters from Seesaw that have tips and tricks, but also these Seesaw visual posters that explain each of the tools. Download them for free from my TPT store.

Task cards
I have created many Seesaw task cards that are available for purchase to take student learning that little bit further. All of these are available on my website and TPT store - but these freebie task cards are a great way to get students started with using Seesaw. These work alongside the implementation guidelines from Seesaw, with really simple activities to teach each of the tools for students. These task cards also have each step in pictorial form for students to follow.

Available on my TPT store.

Seesaw activity library
The Seesaw activity library is full of thousands of premade activities that you can use to really extend your use of Seesaw. You can search via grade level, subject level or even learning intention. You can save these and then assign them to your class for students to complete!
When you're confident, you can even look into making your own activities that specifically meet your students needs.

All of this is available in my slides and recording that I recently ran in the holidays. It runs you through how to make your own activities and unpacking the library. Click on the links below.