Here are 10 ways Seesaw can support your students IEP and 504 accommodations:

1. Private Notes for Teachers

Seesaw includes a private note feature on each activity, allowing teachers to write or record observations in real time. These notes are visible only to the teacher or co-teachers and can be referenced or shared during IEP meetings to track student progress.

2. Organized Folders for Evidence of Learning

Teachers can use folders to collect and organize evidence of learning, showcasing individual student growth and progress toward goals. Private folders are also available, visible only to teachers and co-teachers, providing a secure space for sensitive documentation.

3. Customizable Assignments

Seesaw enables teachers to assign activities to individuals, student groups, or the entire class. This flexibility supports differentiated instruction by aligning activities with specific accommodations or group needs.

4. Documenting Non-Verbal Communication

Teachers can capture photos or videos of non-verbal students to showcase their development and growth and include these in their digital portfolios. This provides families with a clear understanding of their child’s progress in a way that traditional methods might not.

5. Editable Activities for Individual Needs

Every Seesaw activity can be edited and adjusted to meet the unique needs of individual students. This ensures that all learners have equitable access to the curriculum.

6. Audio Directions Available in Multiple Languages, Multiple Times

Students can listen to audio instructions as many times as they need, with options available in English and Spanish. This helps ensure that directions are clear and accessible for all learners.

7. Support Through Visuals and Modeling

Seesaw offers written directions, visual aids, and modeling tools that help students understand and access content. Assessment and reflection templates also guide students in using the platform’s tools effectively.

8. Multimodal Tools for Demonstrating Learning

Seesaw’s multimodal tools allow students to demonstrate their learning in various ways. Non-verbal students can draw, while those with motor skill challenges can record their voice. This ensures every student can express their understanding.

9. Focus Mode for Reduced Distractions

“Focus Mode” reduces the number of choices a student can select, helping to minimize stress and distractions. This is particularly beneficial for students who need a simplified interface to stay on task.

10. Practice Mode with Real-Time Feedback

Seesaw’s “Practice Mode” gives students a safe space to practice and receive real-time feedback without requiring direct teacher involvement. This builds confidence and independence.

Seesaw Keeps Families in the Loop All Year Long

Seesaw fosters ongoing family engagement through its two-way communication features, which include text translations in over 100 languages. This enables families to stay informed about their child’s progress and see how accommodations are being met year round.

By leveraging these features, Seesaw helps create an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Teachers, families, and support staff can work together seamlessly, ensuring that students receive the personalized support they need to succeed.

The post 10 Ways Seesaw Can Support IEP and 504 Accommodations appeared first on Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform.

Seesaw Instruction & Insights 

Exclusive Updates

What is my Seesaw subscription plan type?

Updated December 2, 2024

Focus Mode Update – Disable Individual Drawing Tools

You asked, and we listened! Provide students with even more guidance in Focus Mode by selecting which drawing tools students are available to students.

Admin Learning Insights Dashboard

Equip instructional leaders with deep learning insights to make data-driven decisions. Monitor how students are performing on standards and gain visibility into what standards are being taught using Seesaw. 

Video Tutorial ->

Help Center ->

School & District Library Collections

School and District Library Collections will allow admins to bring their scope and sequence into Seesaw, helping them customize their use of Seesaw to align with their school and district initiatives. Teachers can browse the curated collections in a space they already utilize, helping save valuable time!

Tutorial Video ->

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Read-with-Me

The Read-with-Me scaffolding tool supports emerging readers with passages that can be read aloud to them with word-by-word highlighting, allowing them to make powerful connections between written and spoken word.

Tutorial Video  ->

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Reading Fluency Assessment Tool

The Reading Fluency Assessment Tool allows teachers to quickly understand student progress on literacy skills like word identification and reading fluency. The tool collects and automatically analyzes student reading samples and provides at-a-glance, actionable reporting to teachers. 

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Free Response Assessment Type

The Free Response Assessment Type adds additional flexibility to Seesaw assessments by allowing teachers to collect open text responses to formative assessment questions. The tool allows for manual grading and autograding and provides aggregated response data in reporting.

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Focus Mode 

Focus Mode makes any activity align to the developmental level of the students completing it by helping to minimize distractions and ensuring students respond in the appropriate and desired formats.

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Flexcard

Flexcard expands the way teachers engage with students! Flexcard offers more customizability and variability in activities to meet the unique needs of your classroom. Flexcards can contain text images and voice, or a combination on each side with up to 30 sides. 

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Seesaw for Schools Updates

*All Seesaw for Schools updates are included in Seesaw Instruction & Insights

What is my Seesaw subscription plan type?

Updated December 2, 2024

Creative Tool Enhancements 

You asked, we listened! Creating new activities is easier than ever with the ability to select multiple objects at once and move, scale, apply styling, and bulk lock/unlock on the creative canvas.

 

Activity Templates 

Save time creating new activities with simple reflection and assessment templates in the custom activity creation flow.

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Quarterly Digital Portfolio Activity Templates

Guide students to showcase their learning with ready-to-assign templates, perfect for conferences!

Assign Now ->

 

Admin Engagement Dashboard

Gain deeper insights into how students, teachers and families are engaging on Seesaw. 

Get visibility into teacher and student activity on the platform, number of activities assigned, how many families are logging in, and more! 

Tutorial Video ->

Help Center ->

Sitewide Standards

Sitewide Standards allows schools and districts to localize to their state/region standard sets. This saves teachers time and makes all places within Seesaw easier to use and more personalized.

Assigning and Grading Against Standards Tutorial  ->

Standards view on the Progress Dashboard Tutorial  ->

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The post What’s New in Seesaw appeared first on Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform.

But what does flexibility really mean in education, and why is it important for us to be measuring how much is present in our classroom? This blog is written to explain the importance of flexibility while providing you the right tools.

Personalised Student Learning at Scale

In a study conducted by EdTech Impact (2023), 88% of teachers believe that technology enables them to differentiate instruction in a more effective way. It is through Seesaw’s platform that teachers to personalise lessons and activities according to each student’s individual needs, no matter whether they require additional support or are ready to take on more advanced challenges. As a result of this flexibility, learners are more likely to engage in the learning process and achieve greater success.

Seesaw enables personalised learning experiences quickly and easily. Seesaw supports differentiated instruction and promotes student engagement, ensuring that every learner can thrive at their own pace. Want to see it in action, check out the video below

Allow for Anywhere, Anytime Learning

There is no denying that internet access beyond the classroom has become more and more important as hybrid and remote learning models have risen in popularity. In Seesaw, students are able to document and reflect on their learning when, where, and how they wish. According to the Digital Learning Pulse Survey (2023), over 70% of students reported feeling more in control of their learning when using a flexible, digital portfolio-based platform like Seesaw.

Lindsay Toub, a 1st grade teacher shares how Seesaw enabled confidence through flexible learning environments: “I had one student who wasn’t really feeling confident about reading and by implementing a Seesaw station where they can read and record in a private space, they became a very confident, excited reader”. Listen to how else Lindsay personalised her instruction in this engaging podcast episode.

Empowering Teachers with Customisation Possibilities

Teachers are the backbone of education, and they deserve intuitive tools that enable them to do their jobs well. Using Seesaw’s user-friendly interface, educators easily create, curate, and adapt content. This ensures lessons are aligned with the needs and interests of students along with the curriculum requirements. A Seesaw customer feedback survey (2023) found that 94% of educators using the platform felt more empowered to innovate and adapt their teaching strategies.

Sophia Garcia-Smith shares how Seesaw’s multimodal tools make a difference for her classroom. “Students can take pictures of the progress of their work, then can go back and use their voice to explain it to me…”. Listen to her full testimonial here.

Engaging Parents as Learning Partners

A key driver of a student’s success is the involvement of their parents. There was a 20% increase in family engagement in schools that were using Seesaw’s platform. Real-time engagement ensures that families stay actively involved in the learning journey of their child by keeping them actively engaged.

Schools across the globe are engaging their parents with Seesaw in deep ways. Wichita principal Cheryl Romer says, “The connection with parents is so important in supporting the ethos of our school. There hasn’t been one negative comment out of 740 students”. Learn how else Hilltop is engaging families to deepen student learning.

Leverage Proven Efficacy Tools

It is not enough to have flexibility without evidence to back it up. I am proud to share with you that Seesaw has achieved ESSA Level III certification. This is a continuing demonstrating that it has made a positive impact on teaching and learning outcomes. The achievement of this certification reinforces our commitment to driving measurable improvements in educational environments by using technology.

We support millions of teachers, students, families, and school leaders as they work together to elevate learning! View some of the award that Seesaw has been given over the most recent years.

Seesaw is Your Flexible Learning Tool

It is a world where flexibility is fundamental to success, Seesaw provides the tools and insights needed to meet each student where they are. Intuitively guiding students toward their full potential by meeting them where they are. We are proud to provide educational tools to educators across the globe that enable stronger relationships, personalised learning, and academic success. Want to learn more, click here to schedule a demo of Seesaw.

The post Unlocking the Power of Flexibility with Seesaw Learning appeared first on Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform.

Educators who use Seesaw in their classroom on a regular basis report significant benefits. Students can share their understanding of a topic in a low pressure environment by utilizing multimedia features such as audio and video recordings, or the multiple drawing tools. In order to foster a strong home to school connection, student work is shared with families and accompanied with powerful translation features that are built right into Seesaw messages.

Our mission at Seesaw is to create joyful learning experiences for all learners every day. In our journey to ensure that this is reality, we have created a comprehensive suite of lessons that are specifically designed for multilingual learners. Before we dive into what that looks like, read how Seesaw supports learners today. 

Real-World Success Stories

Iris P., a 1st and 2nd grade Newcomer teacher, shares how Seesaw enhances her instruction

Iris found Seesaw helpful for differentiating instruction and tailoring learning to multilingual learners’ needs. With Seesaw’s visual and audio features, every student was supported in their development, but she had the option to go even deeper for students who needed it. For improving English speaking skills, she found recording opportunities to be particularly powerful. 

Key Takeaway

Seesaw’s multimedia features allow Iris to differentiate instruction effectively, supporting English language acquisition through interactive technology.

Learn How to Differentiate Instruction Like Iris

Watch this video to see exactly how Seesaw supports multilingual learners 

Julia T., a 5th grade Teacher, describes how Seesaw strengthens the home-school connection

In addition to capturing a deep understanding of content, Seesaw’s recording features made it easy for her to share with her family. The visual evidence of learning built a strong connection between home and school, enabling more powerful conversations to occur and supporting language learning for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Additionally, the recordings served as a roadmap for how the family could continue Mohammad’s learning beyond the school gates. 

Key Takeaway

Seesaw’s video feature not only captures student progress but also fosters stronger relationships between teachers and families through visual evidence of learning and a visual playbook for continued growth at home.

Learn How to Capture Progress and Voice Like Julia

Read how to use voice and creative tools inside Seesaw and how to connect families to the learning taking place in your Seesaw class

Katie C., a PreK-3rd grade English Teacher, explains how Seesaw engages students and impresses families

Katie discovered that students shared more of their understanding when using the video tool within Seesaw. With Seesaw, her students were able to share more than just the answers. They can articulate their thinking with the video tool. These videos then become a powerful learning archive providing a clear bridge between home and school. This approach is particularly effective for (ESL) students. 

Key Takeaway

By enabling students to record and share their language progress, Seesaw increases engagement and creates meaningful connections between school and home, surprising and delighting families with their children’s progress in the target language.

Learn How To Share Progress Like Katie

Watch our recent webinar Critical Methodologies: Optimizing Achievement for Multilingual Learners to get practical ideas for how to bridge the home<>school gap in your classroom today! 

Katherine M., a 2nd grade bilingual teacher, describes how Seesaw helps track language development

As Katherine tracked her students’ growth and progress over the course of the year, Seesaw’s digital portfolio for tracking language development clearly demonstrated that they were learning. In addition to supporting language acquisition, the visual representation of growth from the Seesaw class journal boosted students’ confidence. 

Key Takeaway

Seesaw’s digital portfolio feature allows both teachers and students to visually track progress in English language acquisition, boosting student confidence as they witness their own growth over time.

Learn How to Use a Digital Portfolio Like Katherine

Tune in to this podcast episode where we talk about how Seesaw supports language development – Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Lisa R., a K-5 English Language (EL) teacher, highlights how Seesaw promotes inclusivity

Seesaw’s multimedia features provided Lisa and her families with easy-to-use tools focused on learning. Seesaw’s built in translation features allow families and students who spoke different languages at home to communicate seamlessly. By creating such an inclusive learning environment, students were able to participate more and gain a deeper understanding of the learning, making Seesaw an effective tool for differentiated instruction in multilingual classrooms.

Key Takeaway

Seesaw’s multimedia and translation features create an inclusive learning environment, breaking down language barriers and enabling easier communication between teachers, students, and families of diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Learn How to Engage Families Like Lisa

Read this article to learn how to translate text right inside Seesaw

Teacher Loved, Research Validated ELD Solution

Seesaw’s supplemental curriculum is validated by LearnPlatform, a third-party edtech research company, to satisfy Level IV requirements according to Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The programs systematic evidence-based practices and developmentally appropriate design leads to easer differentiation, stronger interaction, and more purposeful assessment. Read the full report outlining how Seesaw satisfies this validation here.

Begin Your Success Story

Using Seesaw like the teachers above is a great start. If you are looking to go deeper, the Seesaw English Language Development (ELD) package provides K-5 English Language Learners with scaffolded opportunities to practice reading, writing. Listening, and speaking English in the context of over 480 ELA, math, science, and social studies lessons.

With Seesaw’s multimodal tools, English Language Learners have a safe space to learn, practice, and build confidence while honoring their strengths and experiences, providing personalized language learning experiences for diverse learners. Developmentally appropriate lessons can be flexibly taught in any classroom model. Embedded language supports make content accessible to English Language Learners to build proficiency with ease. 

Try out the following lessons to support your students in language development:

• Language Arts Grade 2: Language Level 1-2 
• Math Grade K: Language Level 3-4
• Science Grade 5: Language Level 5-6
• Social Studies Grade 1: Language Level 1-2
• English Language Explorers: Newcomers

The post Supporting Multilingual Learners: Seesaw Success Stories appeared first on Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform.

Instructional Strategies for Gradual Release and Active Learning

The gradual release of responsibility¹ is an instructional framework where teachers slowly release responsibility of learning to students over time. Teachers begin by describing learning objectives, modeling and thinking aloud to demonstrate key vocabulary and skills, and highlighting the relevance of the lesson. Students observe, make connections, and discuss initial learning with classmates. In this stage, teachers should explicitly teach² routines to support cognition and comprehension. Seesaw Lessons aid teachers with this crucial explicit instruction. Every lesson begins by introducing important new vocabulary and modeling skills through visuals, audio, video, and more.

@mshoofs_kinders #seesawlearning #seesawpartner @seesawlearning ♬ original sound – Lauren

The gradual release of learning continues through opportunities for students to respond to teacher’s questions and practice new skills with teacher and peer support. Magic happens when students engage in active learning activities with partners and independently. Through investigation, creative activities, discussion, and reflection³, students are able to connect new learning to prior knowledge and transfer learning into longer-term memory.

The Seesaw Library has thousands of activities to help teachers and students engage in investigation and capture creating learning in the real world on a digital platform. Built in prompts spark engaging discussions and questions. Multimodal tools empower students to engage in hands-on learning experiences and select their preferred method for showcasing it.

Seesaw’s elementary Computer Science curriculum empowers both teachers and students to observe, learn, and apply computer science skills to their everyday lives. Teachers can leverage the instructional videos and example coding programs to explicitly model coding skills and vocabulary. Students collaboratively and independently reflect on their interests and create coding projects such as an animated story, game, dance, and more to share with their learning community. Seesaw Lessons help teachers transfer the responsibility of learning to students over time while engaging students in rich active learning experiences.

Some coding with @bishopkinder today using @ScratchJr! Introduced coding using Code Crew lesson from @Seesaw Library. Then we used to create ourselves as a character and coded ourselves to move across the background. Great job, coders! pic.twitter.com/jkAqSOB9oF

— Traci Piltz  (@TraciPiltz) September 18, 2023

Multimodal and Interdisciplinary Instruction

Multimodal instruction is the practice of using multiple formats–such as text, visuals, video, audio, hands-on experiments, and movement–to activate students’ thinking in multiple ways, leading to deeper connections and skill mastery. Students often receive multimodal instruction (inputs), but only text-based opportunities to show their understanding (outputs). This presents teachers with a conundrum: how might they tap into what’s going on in their students’ heads?

Teachers often have a narrow window into students’ understanding. Worksheets and assessments offer written insights. Small group and 1:1 oral assessments provide additional insights, but are often time-consuming to implement routinely. 

Alternatively, these eight thinking moves⁴ can help teachers tap into their students’ heads to get a fuller picture of student understanding while empowering students to build new ideas and connections:

1. Observe closely and describe what is there
2. Share explanations
3. Reason with evidence
4. Make connections
5. Consider different points of view and perspectives
6. Understand deeply and draw conclusions
7. Wonder and ask questions
8. Investigate

Students often engage in many of these thinking moves, but are not given opportunities to capture or share their learning with others. Seesaw’s portfolio with multimodal tools makes it easy for teachers to leverage these eight thinking moves. Learners can capture their wonderings, observations, evidence, and reasoning using their choice of tools: drawing, text, audio, video, and more.

Learning new knowledge also requires different cognitive pathways. Quick checks for understanding reveal short-term memory cognition, but how might teachers tap into students’ longer-term memory and mastery of learning? The key is interdisciplinary, project- or inquiry-based learning.

With Seesaw Lessons, students engage in a variety of activities to activate these pathways that focus on attention, memory, reasoning, communication, and visualization. When students are able to engage in digital inquiry⁵ and apply learning across subjects or to the real-world⁶, they develop a more complex, transferrable understanding. These practices empower them to use rather than simply acquire knowledge.

Incorporating Formative Assessment and Providing Immediate Feedback

Formative assessments provide insights to teachers and students about their learning to inform instruction. Immediate feedback⁷ empowers students to self-correct and redirect their learning. This type of feedback also boosts students’ self-esteem and identities as students⁸. Researchers Carol Dweck, David Yeager, and Jo Boaler refer to this boost of self-esteem and identities as a growth mindset⁹. When students have a growth mindset and reflect on their learning, they realize they can learn almost anything when they persevere and try new things.

Formative assessment helps teachers encourage their students’ growth mindsets. Teachers can better differentiate and support their students with timely, actionable feedback. Their can create small groups or engage students in collaborative activities¹⁰ to reinforce skills and their growth mindsets.

AMAZED by the new formative assessment tools in @Seesaw! It took me less than 3 minutes to make an exit ticket using the AI BOT! Instant Ss feedback, self-grading & data by class or broken down by individual Ss! The possibilities are ENDLESS! #cbgroveland #seesawlearning pic.twitter.com/IY822rq9nK

— Lindsay Toub (@miss_toub) September 18, 2023

Seesaw’s Formative Assessment feature provides students with immediate feedback¹¹ on multiple-choice, drag and drop, and poll assessments. These quick checks provide students with immediate feedback and the teacher with insights to scaffold or extend learning. When these formative assessments are paired with more open-ended multimodal tools, teachers can get a more holistic picture of students’ understanding. Additionally, teachers can create their own activities with formative assessment or grab standards-aligned, ready-to-go lessons with this tool in the Seesaw Library.

INSERT LESSON PREVIEW IFRAME OR IMAGE AND DELETE THIS TEXT

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Culturally responsive teaching honors and encourages students to connect their cultures, languages, interests, and life experiences to what they’re learning at school. Student strengths are celebrated and nurtured, leading to an increased sense of belonging¹².

 

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A post shared by Marisa | 5th grade teacher (@teachwellandsel)

Seesaw Lessons help students see themselves in their learning through diverse characters, stories, and experiences¹³. Activities help them build empathy, see diverse learners like themselves, and make connections to everyday life¹⁴. Extra care has been given to diverse representation in our computer science collections, as a historically homogeneous field. Students learn digital leadership, coding, and computational thinking skills alongside diverse characters. Lessons collections like Careers in Computer Science, Story Pirates: Story Sparks, and What’s My Job highlight real-life individuals working in a variety of professions, helping students better imagine themselves as digital innovators¹⁵, with intersectional, complex identities.

 

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A post shared by Jennifer Mahin (@jennasaurustech)

Students also draw from funds of knowledge¹⁶, a wealth of diverse experiences and skills, in which they can share to enrich the diversity of their classroom. Seesaw’s portfolio with multimodal tools empower learners to showcase their learning in their preferred way. Every lesson in the Seesaw Library is equipped with audio directions in English and Spanish to increase access and support learners. Spanish lessons include fully translated text, audio, video, and visuals to support multilingual learners practicing and sharing their learning. These learners have access to screen, video, and audio recording tools to orally rehearse before sharing.

 

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A post shared by Ms. Mendoza (@craftymsmendoza)

Fostering Family Engagement

Family engagement research¹⁷ shows the impact of engaging families as co-owners of student outcomes. Families are the experts on their child’s interests and cultural experiences. When there are natural ways to bring that expertise to and from the classroom, students are able to connect new information with their experiences and background knowledge, leading to deeper learning. There are high gains in student achievement when parents are informed of what their child is learning and how to support them at home. Consistent outreach to parents (messaging and sending resources to support the child at home) result in high student achievement. Teachers want to engage with their families to support their students, but reaching every family is complex and time-intensive.

Seesaw helps teachers save that time. Once families are connected to their student, they can participate in their child’s learning by viewing their portfolio, commenting on progress, messaging with teachers, and participating in family activities. Teachers can choose to message student work examples to families, or families can already automatically see their child’s work once it is approved and added to their journals. Teachers invest time in the initial setup so that families are automatically kept in the loop every time their child creates something new in Seesaw.

Families can tap into their funds of knowledge and contribute to classroom culture and their child’s learning by commenting on their child’s work and messaging with the teacher. Messages and comments translate into over 100 languages, increasing accessibility. Families can stay up-to-date with classroom events and follow up on student learning at home. Teachers can send reminders or share helpful resources for families to utilize to support their child at home.

Seesaw Lessons also include activities designed to be completed with partners at home or school. These activities explain the importance of this activity or domain to their child’s development. Videos and instructions model for parents how to support and engage in the activities with their child. At Seesaw, families are essential partners to students’ growth. Teachers can easily engage with families with ready-to-go resources, student portfolio work, and messaging tools.

 

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Conclusion

Seesaw is the one learning platform all teachers need to spark engaging, personalized learning for every student and family in meaningful ways. Check out our free Quick Start Guides for teachers and Messages guides for teachers and families to bring multimodal tools, culturally responsive lessons, active learning opportunities; formative assessments; and family engagement practices into your classroom today. Rest assured that you are integrating research-based best practices into your pedagogy by integrating Seesaw into your daily instruction.

References

1. Fisher, Douglas, and Nancy Frey. Better Learning through Structured Teaching: A Framework for the Gradual Release of Responsibility. ASCD, 2008. https://files.ascd.org/staticfiles/ascd/pdf/siteASCD/publications/books/Better-Learning-Through-Structured-Teaching-3ed-sample-chapters.pdf
2. Pearson, P. D., & Gallagher, M. C. (1983). The instruction of reading comprehension. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 8(3), 317–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/0361-476X(83)90019-X
3. Resnick, Mitchel, and Ken Robinson. Lifelong Kindergarten : Cultivating Creativity through Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play. Cambridge, Massachusetts, The Mit Press, 2018. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262536134/lifelong-kindergarten/
4. Ritchhart, Ron, et al. Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners. San Francisco, Ca, Jossey-Bass, 2011. https://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Chapter%201%20MTV%20Ritchhart%20Sample.pdf
5. Coiro, Julie, et al. From Curiosity to Deep Learning: Personal Digital Inquiry in Grades K-5. Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Stenhouse Publishers, 2019. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED596069
6. Repko, Allen F. “Assessing Interdisciplinary Learning Outcomes.” Academic Exchange Quarterly, Fall 2008, p.171-178. https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/docs/syllabi/Assessing_Interdisiplinary_Learning_Outcomes_(Allen_F._Repko).pdf
7. Fyfe, E. R., & Rittle-Johnson, B. (2016). The benefits of computer-generated feedback for mathematics problem solving. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 147, 140–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2016.03.009
8. Black, Paul, and Dylan Wiliam. “Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards through Classroom Assessment.” Phi Delta Kappan, vol. 92, no. 1, Sept. 2010, pp. 81–90, https://doi.org/10.1177/003172171009200119.
9. Dweck, Carol S., and David S. Yeager. “Mindsets: A View from Two Eras.” Perspectives on Psychological Science, vol. 14, no. 3, Feb. 2019, p. 174569161880416, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6594552/, https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691618804166.
10. Boaler, J. (2000) (Ed) Multiple Perspectives on Mathematics Teaching and Learning. Ablex Publishing: Westport, CT. (pp 171-200). https://www.youcubed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Chapter-7-of-Multiple-Perspectives-on-Mathematics-Teaching-and-Learning.pdf
11. Butler, A. C., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). Feedback enhances the positive effects and reduces the negative effects of multiple-choice testing. Memory &amp; Cognition, 36(3), 604–616. https://doi.org/10.3758/mc.36.3.604
12. Cohn-Vargas, Becki, et al. Belonging and Inclusion in Identity Safe Schools. Corwin Press, 17 Aug. 2021. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED614224
13. Morris, T. T., Dorling, D., Davies, N. M., &amp; Davey Smith, G. (2021). Associations between school enjoyment at age 6 and later educational achievement: Evidence from a UK cohort study. Npj Science of Learning, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-021-00092-w
14. Ryoo, Jean J. “Pedagogy That Supports Computer Science for All.” ACM Transactions on Computing Education, vol. 19, no. 4, 16 July 2019, pp. 1–23, https://doi.org/10.1145/3322210.
15. Kimberly A. Scott, Kimberly M. Sheridan & Kevin Clark (2015) Culturally responsive computing: a theory revisited, Learning, Media and Technology, 40:4, 412-436, DOI: 10.1080/17439884.2014.924966. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439884.2014.924966?journalCode=cjem20
16. González, N., Moll, L. C., & Amanti, C. (Eds.). (2005). Funds of knowledge: Theorizing practices in households, communities, and classrooms. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-06807-000
17. Henderson, Anne T, et al. A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement. Austin, Tex., National Center For Family & Community Connections With Schools, 2002. https://sedl.org/connections/resources/evidence.pdf

The post Research-Based Best Teaching Practices appeared first on Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform.

July is coming to an end, which means it’s time to get inspired for the months ahead! Having a variety of resources and tools can help you teach in a more dynamic, diverse, and robust way, ensuring that every learning style is challenged. The end result? A classroom of students who are hungry to learn, encouraged to think outside the box, and able to reach their full potential as learners and human beings.

Seesaw’s Connect Conference, held online from August 8th through 9th, is the perfect first step to a great new school year. Join us to find inspiration, connect with other educators, and walk away energized!

RSVP Today!

What is Connect?

Connect is a free, dynamic virtual conference, crafted by educators for educators with the goal of igniting inspiration, fostering growth, and energizing educators for the school year. This two-day personalized conference experience is based on your interests. It features 20 engaging sessions with current teachers and administrators, networking opportunities, and session attendance certificates that can be used to track PD hours. There will also be access to an on-demand video and resource hub so that your learning doesn’t have to stop when you leave the conference.

Why Should I Attend Connect?

GAIN FREE RESOURCES

At Seesaw, we believe that knowledge should be accessible to everyone, which is one of the reasons why educators can join for free from anywhere! We invite those who prefer to attend live to join us on August 8th and 9th for a two-day personalized conference experience featuring inspiring keynotes, educator stories, workshops, networking, certificates, and door prizes. If you’re unable to attend our live sessions, no problem! Join us on August 10 and beyond to watch the conference content at your own pace on demand.

BE INSPIRED

With the new school year around the corner, there’s no better time to get inspired! Connect topics will get your creative juices flowing and give you actionable next steps when it comes to digital learning, strong family engagement, classroom routines, and more depending on your individual needs and interests. There’s so much left to learn—Connect is a great place to start.

LEARN FROM FELLOW EDUCATORS

There’s no bad time to gain a new perspective. As a live virtual conference, Connect allows educators to engage in real-time with educators from around the world which naturally fosters a collaborative spirit and meaningful connections among attendees. Here, teachers can learn from other high-performing teachers, schools, and districts during engaging panels with current teachers and administrators as well as conference sessions with various industry experts. With the opportunity to attend 20 sessions, three panels, 15 Ignite Talks, four keynote speaker presentations, and more, educators leave Connect with a wealth of knowledge, tips, and tricks that they can implement in their own classrooms.

BUILD COMMUNITY AND CONNECTIONS

As educators, we often use creativity to improve processes in order to make learning easier and more effective. Maybe there’s a new idea you’re thinking about right now that another educator has tried out. By networking and solution sharing, educators are able to learn from other’s mistakes and successes. Connect allows teachers to build a community of practice with like-minded educators and educational leaders.

WIN AWESOME PRIZES

To add in some additional fun, Connect features a series of exciting games and opportunities for educators to win over $6,000 in door prizes! Join us to see cool things you could take to your classroom next year.

Join Us at Connect

Improving your classroom environment, teaching tactics, and creativity of curriculum are daunting tasks, but with foundational resources and helpful tools, this process becomes manageable and rewarding. Connect is a great first step towards even more success in the classroom. Join us at Connect to see for yourself.

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1. READ AND REPEAT!

Have students choose and set a summer reading goal of 15 – 30 minutes a day and stick to it. Encourage students to read what they want and in different locations. Public libraries can help give students access to a variety of reading materials and online resources. Students may also have access to Reading programs from school.

2. WRITE ABOUT IT!

Have students document their summer in a journal by writing and drawing. Encourage students to set aside journal time to write about whatever they want to share. This can be done daily or weekly.

3. ACT IT OUT!

Have students put on a play to act out a favorite scene from a book they read. Challenge students to make a poster for the show they are going to put on and discuss why they chose the scene they did.

4. BECOME A BOOK CRITIC!

Have students track the books they read over the summer by writing a book review. They can give the book a rating and share what they liked and didn’t like about it. For added fun, students can draw a new cover for the book!

5. TURN GROCERY SHOPPING INTO A MATH EXTRAVAGANZA!

Have students compare prices, find the best deals, total amounts, round prices, multiply quantities, and more. Encourage students to come up with their own math problems and observations.

6. FIND MATH IN NATURE!

Have students go on a nature walk to compare and contrast objects, classify objects, estimate quantities, or measure objects. Encourage students to set aside outdoor exploration time to be done daily.

7. GAME TIME!

Have students play card games and board games. Encourage students to play games that use logic and reasoning. For an extra challenge, have students create their own games!

8. ARTS AND CRAFTS!

Have students create a sidewalk chalk mural, construct a nature collage, build a milk carton bird feeder, put together a scrapbook of their summer, and much more! Encourage students to get creative and express themselves in different ways.

9. PLAY A SPORT!

Have students choose some form of physical activity every day. Encourage students to complete the activity with others. They can learn how to play a new sport or make up their own.

10. COOK OR BAKE TOGETHER!

Have students be your assistant in the kitchen as they read the recipe, gather the ingredients, practice measuring ingredients, and follow directions to help complete it. Encourage students to talk about the different steps as they complete them.

BONUS: Have students choose from the activities shared and come up with their own ideas to make a summer calendar.

Turn it into a summer learning challenge!

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While in the Sooner State, Seesaw conducted productive discussions with leaders from Oklahoma City Public Schools and Mid-Del School District with Kris Szajner serving as the moderator. During those conversations, leaders had the opportunity to answer 5 key questions and shed light on their districts’ approaches to:

• Addressing learning gaps

• Strategically supporting teachers

• Focusing on student mindsets

• Engaging families in the learning process

• Include more families

Erin Rennick-White (Executive Director of Technology)

“The state report cards just came out, and there have been some schools where the students who are English Language Learners had scores that were kind of a shock considering the traditional achievements that those schools have. Those gaps were a shock when I looked at the state report cards.

“We are not only seeing student gaps but also seeing teacher experience gaps. They want something out of the box, but without that being in their curriculum, our teachers get stuck. They need resources that are easy to find and able to address needs quickly.”

Erin Rennick-White (Executive Director of Technology)

“From the tech standpoint, all we can do is point them in the right direction. We would love to have more impact but from the instructional technology standpoint, we are working with teaching and learning to ensure that crosswalks are done with fidelity, access to tools is provided, frameworks are cleaned up, and we are adjusting to standards.”

Tiffany Wood (Instructional Technology Coordinator) 

“With any academic gaps teachers are trying to fill, we turn to Seesaw. It is easy for teachers to find something that fits these needs quickly and give it to a small group or an individual student that they can complete quickly to gain back that skill. They can find something for that lesson that is not in their curriculum and they can assign it quickly which will help with these gaps.“

Neal Kellogg (Director of Technology)

“We are not constantly working to ensure that our tools continue to be used in classrooms. We often share how technology can make content more engaging for classrooms. Seesaw has provided that for our teachers and helps us to point them in the right direction.

“As a team, we are doing our best to provide helpful resources to our teachers. What we have found to be important is that the days of teachers waiting to be trained, or someone to come and train me are gone. It is hard for us because people will be waiting a long time and might be missing out on learning.

“We are constantly working on new ways to engage teachers to promote the usage of the tools we have. One way is our green screen production room. We are creating videos that we share on social media to get information out to teachers. These types of mediums help us to reach more people faster.

“We have shifted the ownership of learning back onto the teachers. We will come in and show you really good ways to use something but are trying to push the responsibility on teachers to watch a video or read directions for how to do something. “

John Hunter (Instructional Technology Trainer)

“We are pushing virtual PD for our teachers. We have structured learning around 3-day sessions where we learn for 15-20 minutes and then allow for application time. We are embedding the PD department and teacher practices to make it stick.”

Tiffany Wood (Instructional Technology Coordinator) and Caitlin Hall (Instructional Technology Facilitator)

“We are providing tools that are intuitive to students. Tools that allow us to use less and also be able to do more. Seesaw not only does all of this, but it is easy for students to use. Seesaw provides our students the ability to draw, take photos, or record their answers. When they are ready to type, they can first try this on Seesaw. As they grow and become ready for canvas, they already have a foundation of skills they learned just using Seesaw.”

“We are being mindful of the ISTE standards and how students are completing work digitally. Taking photos, drawing, and typing are all in Seesaw. Students can practice these skills even as young as Kindergarten and as they grow, students can showcase their knowledge in a way that they choose.”

“Students can use the features as they are ready for them. We see students in our classrooms who are not ready to type, and that is ok. They have the tools ready for them to write their answers. This is building a mindset in students that encourages persistence and advocacy around how they showcase their learning. All of this is done just with the built-in tools they have access to.”

Erin Rennick-White (Executive Director of Technology)

“The confidence that our students have in technology is amazing. They are so fluent that we sometimes see them teaching our teachers. Our students are showing our teachers how to take a screenshot when at first the teachers are intimidated by this task. We are seeing more and more teachers embracing this mindset and leaning more into the tools that we provide to give a better learning experience back to the students. “

Adriana Alfonso (Principal)

“Seesaw builds comfort with technology first. The symbols that are found in Seesaw, like the three dots, are found with almost every other technology tool and our kids become familiar with what these things can do. We also see that there is a different level of engagement when kids think they cannot mess up. Seesaw provides comfort to students and we know that technology is not going away. This builds comfort in our students for how the world is.“

Neal Kellogg (Director of Technology)

“The kids are savvy, our kids are just fine. They are exploring on their own and figuring out ways to do things. They have a mindset to explore and not to be afraid to break things. We hope to provide students with more opportunities to leverage technology and be more engaged as they go through our schools.”

Tiffany Wood (Instructional Technology Coordinator)

“We want to give parents a glimpse into the classroom and build trust with the teacher. Technology provides a level of transparency focused on student growth. Families can see their child succeeding in specific areas and also know if they need additional support in other areas. This connection helps to inform families and keep them a part of learning instead of being a battle that has to be fought.”

Erin Rennick-White (Executive Director of Technology)

“Our goal in communications is meant to share how technology is a compliment to learning and not meant to complicate it. We are providing classrooms with devices not so they can sit on screens all day every day. We are providing them for many reasons and one is to open communication with families. We work to educate families that technology is not to replace the teacher or the curriculum, but instead here to make learning better.”

Adriana Alfonso (Principal)

“We work hard to engage our families in learning. It helps parents to understand where their kids are academically, so when they can see it when they can hear what their kids can do, it paints a different picture for them as far as how smart their little kids are.”

Neal Kellogg (Director of Technology)

“I would love to see more families involved. As a district, we need families to be more involved. Our superintendent does a lot of work to provide that transparency. Using a tool like Seesaw to provide transparency and communication provides parents the opportunity to be more involved and see what is happening in the classroom to support their students.

“Our moonshot is that we have a larger percentage of our parents interacting with their kids and interacting positively with their teachers. We have found that around the district, the schools that have the most parent involvement are typically the schools that are much more successful. In a variety of ways.”

Tiffany Wood (Instructional Technology Coordinator)

“We provide access to teachers and allow them to lead this work. Our teacher leaders have found ways to use technology that engages families. These techniques have helped us to build our best practices in how technology should be used here.”

Erin Rennick-White (Executive Director of Technology)

“We start by showing teachers how to use the tools. Part of this is showing how to engage family members. One benefit of showing this is the fact that Seesaw is a one-stop shop for us. It has the family connection components needed to replace other tools teachers are using. We try to have our community with as few tools as possible. I as a family member can see messages from the teacher or office and know that I have to order a shirt for next month and can also see the work they did that day in one spot.“

Adriana Alfonso (Principal)

“With COVID, parents were struggling saying things like “Why can’t we go in the building? why can’t we do these things?” This year was the first year we had our school carnival and had the families back in the building. You could tell how excited families were to be back in the building.”

“So now that we are back to having these foundational pieces back in place and have rebuilt these relationships we can work families more into the learning. Families feel welcome in school and do feel they are a part of it, then you can include them in the learning. This works because the relationship is there first.”

Neal Kellogg (Director of Technology)

“We are working to connect more teams as a district to ensure that family engagement is more streamlined. The fewer places that families have to go to learn what is happening in their kids’ classrooms, the better.”

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