Seesaw helps Emanuel Primary School give students an authentic audience, differentiate instruction and empower parents to be effective partners in student success.

We value the partnership we have with parents. We share an important role in educating Emanuel’s children and so want to form rich, working partnerships between our teachers and parents. Seesaw gives us the capacity to do this in a unique and effective way.

Replacing paper portfolios and giving students an authentic audience

We traditionally have used paper portfolios that were very one-dimensional, paper-and-pencil-type evidence and not reflective of the rich learning experiences our students are engaged in. It made sharing anything with parents that was digital or creative, difficult to achieve.

Seesaw gives students a legitimate publishing space and a real audience to share their work and get feedback. There is a real sense of pride when they know they are going to be sharing their work with their parents, teachers and the community.

Not only have teachers embraced Seesaw, but so have students. Seesaw has made them think about the quality of their work and who will see it. It has also given increased opportunities to collaborate with their classmates.

“I really enjoy using Seesaw as a tool for digital learning and thinking. It provides an engaging and user-friendly platform for students and teachers to share, reflect on and celebrate achievements. Seesaw offers my students a safe and interactive learning environment where they have opportunities to select and personalise uploads, comment on their work, provide feedback on or ask questions about their learning and view progress over a period of time across all subject areas.”

Meghan Carroll, Year 4 Class Teacher

Using Seesaw for differentiating instruction and assessment

Teachers have found creative ways to use Seesaw across the curriculum, such as for differentiating instruction.

Seesaw makes it easier for teachers and students to collect evidence of learning and student achievement. Often in the past students needed a certain level of literacy to demonstrate any skill, even a Mathematics skill. Teachers can now differentiate more and students can record their work in the way that suits them – a photo, a drawing, a voice recording, or typing. They have more choice. Teachers are using Seesaw to show evidence of the progression of learning or ‘distance travelled’, not just the summative or end assessment.

“Seesaw allows me to show snapshots of student learning and monitor growth of learning over a period of time.”

Karon Rom, Year 6 Class Teacher

Deeper insight in Hebrew language learning

The Hebrew Department has found this tool especially useful, as they are able to capture student language development in their classes. Students are able to show their ability to read, write and speak in Hebrew and share this with their classmates and teachers. It gives the students time and space to reflect on their language development so that they can continue to improve.

If you have not joined Seesaw (Years 3 to 6 at this point) please take the time to do so and share in your child’s school day. This link will help you: https://help.seesaw.me/hc/en-us/articles/206514655-How-do-I-sign-up-as-a-parent-

If your child cannot find their QR Code please ask them to get one from their class teacher.

Parents of students in Years K, 1 and 2 will be asked to join Seesaw later in the year.

Helen Maynard, Director of Studies K-6