This school year, we've seen great results when teachers built up iPad skills slowly. In Nancy and Caoimhe’s class, introducing iPads in a meaningful way back in October set the foundation for creative expression in the Spring. In Grade 5, regular reflection opportunities planned throughout a science lesson have given Nicole’s students more insight to their own learning.
Jen
Starting Strong with Seesaw 101
Students learning to use the Drawing tools in Seesaw 101
Seesaw 101 activities provide excellent entry points to creative iPad tools. We genuinely love watching students transform from tech consumers into confident creators. Through carefully curated access and intentional lesson design, students stay engaged and focused on their learning journey.
Students are working towards independent skills like:
- Logging into the iPads 🔓
- Navigating to Activities 💡
- Taking photos and videos with the camera 📷
- Recording audio reflections 🎙️
It's inspiring to see Grade 1 students now creating video and audio reflections with such confidence. This success comes directly from the dedicated scaffolding happening in Kindergarten and early Grade 1.
Grade 1 Art Reflections with Nancy
Nancy's class created beautiful artwork over the past two months. It was now time for her students to record short videos explaining their creative process. The enthusiasm was contagious. Students took turns in the corner of the room discussing their art.
The first page of Nancy's reflection template communicates the Learning Targets and Activities the students were asked to complete. The response pages outline the evidence of learning.
One particularly memorable moment came from a girl who repeatedly mentioned being "so scared to record" but transformed into a confident star the moment she tapped the record button.
I can use different tools and techniques to create works of art.
I can share my feelings about my artwork with others.
After class Nancy shared, "This is where I dreamed of being three years ago! It's taken this long for me and my class to be this comfortable reflecting in Seesaw." Nancy's superpower is perseverance—she demonstrates what's possible when you take incremental steps building toward your goals. Just like her students!
Grade 1 Reading Reflections with Caoimhe
Caoimhe's Grade 1 class took their journal writing to the next level by reading entries aloud and capturing reflections through Seesaw. Each activity thoughtfully incorporated three essential components:
- Clear curricular competencies with student-friendly "I can" statements
- Showcasing authentic student work to demonstrate progress
- Encouraging meaningful self-assessment to build metacognitive skills
These simple yet effective activities help young students develop the fundamental skills needed for digital portfolios while strengthening their literacy and reflection abilities.
I can write about who I love and how I can show them love.
Grade 5 Simple Machines with Nicole
Nicole's class embarked on a month-long Simple Machines project, incorporating regular reflection throughout the process. Students documented their thinking, discussed design improvements, identified challenges, and shared how they overcame obstacles.
Pop Coaster 1989 Reflection
Nicole noted that students initially struggled when their builds didn't go according to plan. However, these moments became valuable opportunities to learn from failure and develop resilience—important lessons that were captured in their reflections.
Superman Wheel 3000 Reflection
Seesaw Update!
With the latest Seesaw update, you can now create reflection templates in just a couple clicks. After creating a new activity you can now select from a few ready made templates to prompt your students. Love it!
If that's not enough, try out some of their ready made portfolio templates called Highlights!