Connect Conference Guide 2024

A note from the Seesaw Connect Team

Welcome to Seesaw Connect 2024! Six years ago, we embarked on this journey, fueled by our passion for education. Little did we know then, the profound impact it would have. As we are preparing for our conference this year, we are filled with gratitude for how far we've come and the incredible community we've built.

Whether you're a seasoned Seesaw Connect veteran or a first-time attendee, your presence here means the world to us. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with inspiring educators, interactive workshops, and meaningful connections. Together, we'll dive deep into the heart of education, exploring new ideas and strategies to elevate our practice.

As we come together, let's remember the profound impact we have as educators. We're not just teachers; we're mentors, guides, and champions of our students' dreams. Every interaction we have has the power to shape the future in ways we may never fully realize.

Let's make this journey one to remember, - Angela, Emily, Kris, and Jenn

Let’s Get Started!

Two Days of Content 20 Sessions

Two days filled with inspiring stories and professional growth to energize teachers and administrators for the school year.

Join sessions led by educators & members of the Seesaw Team, offering practical tips and strategies for student engagement, assessment, and subjects from science to writing and beyond.

17 Ignite Talks

In just 5 minutes, grasp a powerful classroom strategy ready for immediate implementation.

5 Workshops

Put what you’ve just learned into practice and tailor it to your classroom needs. Leave equipped with fresh tools for your teaching, ready to implement right away.

25+ PD Hours

Earn prizes in every life session! Elevate your conference experience by getting points and climbing the leaderboard to win $6000 worth of prizes including iPads, gift cards, and exclusive Seesaw gear. Each participant will receive a certificate for every session they attend to showcase their professional development.

AUG 2 2024

10:30 AM 9:30 AM 7:30 AM

11:30 AM 10:30 AM 8:30 AM

12:30 PM 11:30 AM 9:30 AM

Seesaw Rewind: Back to the Basics to Share Student Learning!

Math Workshop Reimagined (Workshop)

Keynote: Adam Welcome "Kids Deserve It"

Rekindling the Seesaw Spark: Igniting Teacher Excitement So, What Are They Really Doing?

App Smash with Canva: Assess, Create, and Animate!

Ignite Talks

1:30 PM 12:30 PM 10:30 AM

Young Engineers! Engineering Design for Our Littlest Learners

Successful StudentLed Conferences Using Digital Portfolios in Seesaw

Start Strong: Guided Reading and Math Routines for the First Weeks

The Role of Seesaw in Family Partnerships in San Francisco Unified School District

Empowering Multilingual Learners: Tools & Strategies for Growth (Panel)

What’s New with Seesaw

Closing Day One: Prizes and Giveaways

**Please check the agenda on the Seesaw Connect page to check for your local time.

AUG 3 2024

10:30 AM 9:30 AM 7:30 AM

11:30 AM 10:30 AM 8:30 AM

�� Creating Rockstar Writers (Workshop)

12:30 PM 11:30 AM 9:30 AM

Making Sub Plans Easier Through Seesaw! (Workshop)

All Hands on Deck: Keeping Everyone in the Learning Loop (Workshop) Ignite Talk

1:30 PM 12:30 PM 10:30 AM

Crack the Reading Code with Decodable Texts!

Redefining Learning on Seesaw: The Art of Innovative Task Design

Using Seesaw Tools to Demonstrate Student Understanding

Capturing the Aha Moments - Building a Digital Portfolio in Seesaw

Networking Time

Creating Scientists With Seesaw: A Dive into NGSS Practices

Learner

Empowerment in the Maker Classroom

Digital Portfolios for the Multilingual Learner

Brick by Brick: Fostering

Computational Thinking through LEGO Activities on Seesaw (Workshop)

Lesson Planning Made Easy: Using the Standards and Curriculum Alignment Tool in Seesaw

What’s New for Administrators

Closing Day Two: Prizes and Giveaways

**Please check the agenda on the Seesaw Connect page to check for your local time.

P-2

Teachers (Pre-K2nd)

Kids Deserve It

Featured Sessions

Targeted Audience Key

3-6

Teachers (3rd6th) SDL

School & District Leaders

Keynote: Adam Welcome

Kids Deserve It is a simple yet profound message and it’s time that we all join the conversation! Connect with kids, integrate innovative new technology practices into your curriculum that students will love!

• Rediscover the power of literacy and how it changes lives!

• Create content with students and for your school on YouTube and TikTok to create a culture and climate that the entire community wants to be a part of!

• Come up with a plan to facilitate coding with your students to get them ready for all the opportunities that are currently available in our world.

• And, remember why you got into this profession and also how important your own family is. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re not going to be any good for our school team.

No more excuses, it’s time to start making it happen for your students, staff, parents, and the entire community - I know you can do it and I can’t wait to help you make it happen!

The Role of Seesaw in Family Partnerships in San Francisco Unified School District with Devalin Jackson

Have you been wanting to try student-led conferences but are unsure where to start? Seesaw is the perfect vehicle to empower your students to take the lead as they acquire skills and master competencies. In this presentation, you will learn how to use Seesaw for effective student-led conferences Discover how to guide your students to catalog important work, reflect on their progress, and set learning goals Sit back and watch your students take charge of their learning journey!

Crack the Reading Code with Decodable Texts with Lindsay Kemeny

Join Lindsay Kemeny, 1st grade teacher and author of "7 Mighty Moves," as she unlocks the power of decodable texts! You’ll learn why they’re essential for early readers, engaging routines and strategies for both whole-group and small-group instruction, as well as Lindsay’s top picks for captivating decodable text series.

Successful Student-Led Conferences Using Digital Portfolios in Seesaw with Kristin Lizoitte

Have you been wanting to try student-led conferences but are unsure where to start? Seesaw is the perfect vehicle to empower your students to take the lead as they acquire skills and master competencies In this presentation, you will learn how to use Seesaw for effective student-led conferences Discover how to guide your students to catalog important work, reflect on their progress, and set learning goals. Sit back and watch your students take charge of their learning journey!

Featured Sessions

Young Engineers! Engineering Design for Our Littlest Learners with Brittany Tarr

Wanting to bolster creative and critical thinking skills? Interested in providing engaging STEM lessons but overwhelmed with getting started? We know that our young engineers are capable of AMAZING things, but it can be a lot to think through how to implement engineering design experiences that are meaningful, student-led, and yield results Come learn some easy ways that Seesaw can help you optimize your lessons so your engineers can maximize their learning with the minimal amount of stress!

3-6

Digital Portfolios for the Multilingual Learner with Bryanna Doran

How do you communicate with the world around you? Let’s delve into the realm of digital portfolios for multilingual learners. For ELL students who may feel disconnected from their peers, discover strategies to include them, communicate with them and their families, differentiate for their needs, and teach them to curate their own work. Let’s help these students reach their full potential!

Rekindling the Seesaw Spark: Igniting Teacher Excitement with Stephanie Kleinholter and Ashley Marker

Join us for an engaging session where we share innovative strategies used in our district to reignite teacher enthusiasm for Seesaw! Explore practical approaches and success stories that have ignited excitement, ensuring a dynamic and effective integration of Seesaw.

Redefining Learning on Seesaw: The Art of Innovative Task Design with James Radburn

This session will explore the depths of student learning through Seesaw. This presentation will delve into the strategies behind crafting innovative, thought-provoking tasks that not only get children to think but provide opportunities for depth and challenge. Through practical examples, this session will equip educators with the tools and inspiration needed to transform their approach to task design, making learning a more enriching, personalised, and impactful experience for their students.

Using Seesaw Tools to Demonstrate Student Understanding with Jason Peters

Of course, students may tell you they understand a concept, but do you truly know the depth of their understanding? Do they themselves know how deeply they understand? In this session, we will explore the various Seesaw tools available to have students demonstrate and explain their work, enabling you to make better-informed decisions for both whole group and small group instruction

So, What Are They Really Doing? with Katie Klipp

Ever wondered if your students are working effectively while they're away from you during learning center or rotation time? Have parents ever questioned what's really happening with their student or your teaching when an issue arises? While the term "accountability" may sound serious and intimidating, your students will come to embrace it as they showcase their learning with these fun and engaging uses of Seesaw in learning centers and other key times of the day!

P-2

P-2

P-2

Featured Sessions

The Importance of Building Classroom Routines with Dawn Machel

Establishing routines at the start of the school year is crucial for classroom success! Join me as I demonstrate how I utilize Seesaw to create routines during centre time from day one. Discover how Seesaw keeps students engaged, fosters independent learning, and serves as an assessment tool. Parents also gain insight into their child's progress over the year I'm excited to share these strategies with you!

Creating Scientists With Seesaw: A Dive into NGSS Practices with Kelly Hudson

Teaching the Next Generation Science Standards involves more than just imparting scientific knowledge

Students need to embody the role of scientists. Join us as we explore activities that not only deliver science content but also emphasize mastery of the eight Science and Engineering Practices outlined in the NGSS. Examples of student work using Seesaw's creative tools (photos, videos, text, drawings, labels, and voice recordings) will demonstrate the acquisition of these skills and practices.

App Smash with Canva: Assess, Create, and Animate! with Shelley Chmill and Lynn Brubaker

Join Shelly and Lynn as they guide you through creating dynamic activities using two powerhouse apps: Seesaw and Canva EDU (FREE for educators)! Learn how to foster student engagement with interactive assessments and creative showcases, spotlighting their curiosity and academic growth. Utilizing Seesaw’s formative assessment features and Canva EDU’s creative design options, students will enjoy showcasing their knowledge with activities that are easy to create!

Seesaw Rewind: Back to the Basics to Share Student Learning! with Robin Schmacher, Sara Malchow, Sophia Garcia-Smith, and Traci Piltz

In a sea of endless educational technology options, Seesaw stands out as a beacon of simplicity and power It's time to shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling inspired by what your students can achieve While many teachers initially discovered Seesaw out of necessity during the challenging times of COVID, now is the moment to elevate it to new heights in your classroom. Join four Seesaw OGs as we 'bring it back' to the basics of using Seesaw to create, communicate, and collaborate.

Lesson Planning Made Easy- Using the Standards/Curriculum Alignment Tool in Seesaw with Mia Leonard

Simplify lesson planning with The Seesaw Library, filled with thousands of high-quality, ready-to-assign activities created by our in-house curriculum experts. Join us as we explore how to use the Curriculum Alignment Tool to easily find supplemental classroom instruction and engaging learning activities in the Seesaw Library, aligned to the standards and curriculum you’re using in your classroom

P-2

P-2

P-2

3-6

P-2 3-6 SDL

Featured Sessions

Capturing the Aha Moments - Building a Digital Portfolio in Seesaw with Melodee Barnes

Empower students to curate and reflect on their achievements in minutes! Join us in exploring how to create digital portfolios in Seesaw that foster pride and ownership in their learning journey. By showcasing their best content-area work, students build a dynamic portfolio to share with peers, teachers, and families, creating a collaborative and supportive learning community Learn how to capture those 'Aha' moments, that will elevate student voice and showcase achievements through Seesaw

What’s New for Administrators with Erin Wakshlag

Expand the Learning Loop even further with Seesaw Instruction & Insights! Learn how new administrative tools support data-driven decision-making with more visibility into user engagement on Seesaw and performance on standards. New levels of customization, management, and integration capabilities streamline a consistent implementation district-wide. Plus, exclusive tools and supplemental Early Literacy and ELD curriculum packages deepen instructional impact for all learners

What’s New with Seesaw with Sara Romero-Heaps

Join us to learn what’s new with Seesaw for 2024! In this session, we will share new ways to gain actionable insights into student understanding, make learning more engaging, target instruction, and streamline your workflow with Seesaw.

Empowering Multilingual Learners: Tools & Strategies for Growth (Panel) hosted by Angela Gadtke

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with experienced administrators and instructional leaders who excel in supporting multilingual learners. This insightful conversation covers strategies for creating inclusive educational environments that promote academic and social success. Explore practical applications of multimodal tools and instruction to boost achievement Attendees will be able to ask questions and gain actionable insights to apply in their schools

Learner Empowerment in the Maker Classroom with Adam Hill

The maker movement is transforming teaching and learning and equipping students with skills and attributes that will be essential in their lives. This session will explore the powerful connection between making and student empowerment. With examples from a range of classrooms, Adam will inspire you to promote a "maker mindset" and develop your class culture of creativity The session will introduce practical routines to deepen students' understanding of design and support the creative process

Workshops

Brick by Brick: Fostering Computational Thinking through LEGO Activities on Seesaw with Diane Trout

Legos foster creativity and imagination but adding power and coding will take it a step farther with computational thinking and problem solving. After this session, attendees will walk away with lessons on how to engage learners as young as kindergarten with basic Lego robotic skills in which students can take the lead in their coding and robotic creations. Sequential and progression ideas will be shared to facilitate a comprehensive journey from early learning.

Math Workshop Reimagined with Kelly Mitchell

Embark on an innovative journey with me to redefine the Math Workshop experience for elementary students Discover a seamless blend of traditional hands-on activities and digital learning, enhanced by collaborative problem-solving and thoughtful reflection. Dive into the realm of user-friendly app smashing, effortlessly integrating technology into an engaging Math Workshop environment all housed within the accessible platform of Seesaw!

Making Sub Plans Easier Through Seesaw! with Marie Schroeder

Create, duplicate, and have for years to come! Join us to learn how to make sub plans on Seesaw. You'll be able to create and duplicate your own plans, providing a long-term solution to alleviate stress when you need to be out

��Creating Rockstar Writers with Benjamin Cogswell and Jennifer Dean

Discover how to make writing more engaging, fun, effective, and creative with the Random Emoji Writing EduProtocol. This lesson frame utilizes emojis and mystery to spark students’ creativity and transform them into super authors! Beginning with a strong foundation in phonics, we guide students from writing sentences to paragraphs. Ideal for elementary school teachers, with a focus on K-2. Attendees will have the chance to win a signed copy of the book.

All Hands on Deck: Keeping Everyone in the Learning Loop with Cheryl Carter and Cheryl Miyake

Universal Design for Learning and Seesaw, the perfect combination for student success! Among platforms facilitating Universal Design for Learning implementation, the Seesaw Learning Platform stands out as exemplary, serving both educators and learners adeptly Join us as we explore how Seesaw provides an array of embedded tools, lessons and differentiation to achieve Universal Design for Learning.

P-2

P-2

P-2

3-6

P-2 3-6

P-2 3-6 SDL

Nicole Kuchie

Engaging Word Work Activities

Hannah Irion-Frake

Using Assessment Data to Guide Literacy Instruction

Erin Rocklewitz

Quick Checks with Exit Tickets

Laney Rogers

Creating Seesaw Scavenger Hunts!

Ann Lawyer

5 Ways to Use Seesaw in a Virtual Environment

Amber Beutel

Student Voices: Crafting Dynamic Student Made Newsletters With Seesaw

Ignite Talks

Paul McGinty

Igniting Seesaw in a 1:1 Environment

Heather Solis

Ignite Your District's Seesaw Initiative

Luanna Gracia

The Littles Can Too! Promoting Student Agency in Early Childhood Classrooms

Bridget Castelluccio

Student Empowerment with Inclusive Lesson Design

Lindsey Davis

The Power of Poetry: Making a Home & School Connection

Brittany Jones

What Did You Learn Today?-- How Digital Portfolios Can Lead Families to the Answer

Loretta

Fernando-Smith

Guten Morgen! Hallo! Bonjour! வணக!

Tonya Kelly M.Ed

Classroom Routines to Start the Year!

Krizia

Josephine Cortez

Sparking Curiosity: Active Learning Adventures for Young Minds

Naomi Meredith Welcome to STEM-usement Park!

Wanda Adams

Empowering ELL Students in Seesaw to Speak with Confidence