Seesaw

Seesaw is a student driven digital portfolio that allows teachers, students, and parents to actively view work that is begin done in the classroom. I have heard a lot of buzz around Seesaw over the last couple years, however, because of my position, I have not had the opportunity to use Seesaw with a group of students. Recently, I was approached by a second grade teacher who asked me about using Seesaw in her classroom. Honestly, I had so little experience with Seesaw that I didn't feel confident in coaching her with the app. I proposed that she and I co-teach a Seesaw group, so that both of us could figure out the tools within the app. She agreed, and we got started!

Now, after using Seesaw with a class of 2nd graders for a couple weeks, I can honestly say that I LOVE SEESAW!!! It is a great tool to promote student discourse and collaboration in the classroom. Students are highly engaged and are much more careful in their work when they know that their classmates will be able to see the finished product in the "Class Journal." I also love the "Teacher Approve" feature, which allows you to catch any student errors or misunderstandings before the post becomes visible. 

We recently sent home the Parent Letters, which invite parents to view and comment on their own child's Seesaw posts. Hopefully more parents in the classroom will join so that they can actively participate in their child's day. The parent aspect gives families more to talk about after school, and hopefully the ability to avoid the "What did you do in school today?" ...  "Nothing" conversations.

I encourage you to check out Seesaw for yourself or ask a teacher who's using it for some feedback. I guarantee that once you try it, you (and your students and families) will absolutely love it!