Why Seesaw? By Mandy Shulman

Because getting started is easy.

I started using Seesaw because I wanted to increase school/home communication, and share more projects, photographs, and daily learning with families.

We began using Seesaw in our classroom in November 2016.  Our 2016-2017 class of second graders used Seesaw to record thinking and learning across all subject areas.  Students recorded thinking about independent reading and book group books, shared published writing, shared research projects, and shared weekly updates with families. I took photos and videos of the kids playing math games, presenting group projects, creating during Art Adventure, playing with friends outside, and more.  

Because parents love it.

Since my goal was to increase school/home communication, I invited families to see their child’s personal and private journal.  Every time an item was added to a child’s journal, that child’s family received a notification, and they were able to view what was happening in the classroom in real time.

Read what families had to say about Seesaw:

This year I sent the parent invites home to my students with my welcome letter.  I started sharing photos and information with families before school even started, and all of my students’ families were connected before the second day of school.  


Because students can share their learning.

After the first week of school, second graders had learned how to add photos to their journals and also add voice comments to their photos.  I had shared photos of the students learning and working together, and photos and descriptions of anchor charts and classroom activities.  Throughout the school year we will be using Seesaw to share student learning, classroom updates, and other important information. 

Because it builds school/home connections.

Seesaw has changed the way I communicate with families; students and I share information with families multiple times each week, using pictures, voice, video, and/or text.  Families can see our learning and activities throughout all subject areas, and I can easily share important information with families in a timely manner.

Because it opens the door to the classroom and students’ learning.