March 27th, 2020

​Please see the following in regards to our educational continuity plan and connecting to Seesaw. You can also reach the new Classroom Blog by clicking on the new banner link as well: 

Good afternoon,

As shared in yesterday's update email, today is the day that we will begin providing some virtual opportunities for students and families as part of our educational continuity plan. One of the main methods of communication that the Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) is implementing for students in grades K-3 is the use of Seesaw. 

It is important that you connect to Seesaw to receive important updates from our division, school, and classroom. Your student will be able to post to Seesaw to share their learning with you, their teachers, as well as other students in the class (through the Classroom Blog, etc.). I will also be able to send students and families messages and reminders. Seesaw is private. You will only see posts created by your student or their classroom teachers.

To connect to our classroom using Seesaw:

1. In a web browser, go to: https://app.seesaw.me/s/963-351-643 
2. Choose your student from the list 
3. Create your account 
4. Once you’re approved by Ashley Barrington, you’ll get access to Seesaw

Once your account has been approved, I will send you a home learning code that your student can use to login to the Seesaw Class app or website to share their learning through their journal, complete assigned activities, and share their learning with the classroom through the Classroom Blog. 

I have already added this week's optional learning tasks to students' journals in their Seesaw account, however, if you are eager to get started before your Seesaw account has been created and approved, I have also attached a copy of the weekly plans below. I will also be uploading our daily Classroom Book a Day videos to Seesaw from now on. After today, I will email a list of the week's Classroom Book a Day videos, rather than continuing to email you everyday.

As per yesterday, what I will be sharing this week is what I am calling a "soft start" plan. In our class, each day we have 20-30 mins. to play and explore. The activities are meant to be provocations or practice for curricular concepts, but in a way that allows students to collaborate and have fun. This is what we call a "soft start." The optional learning activities that students can work on at home this week are the first of these plans that will go home. Let's view it as a "soft start". This is new to all of us. Seesaw and virtual learning is something that many of us (including the teacher) are unfamiliar with. Do not feel pressured or stressed to complete what is being sent home. Do what you can or what feels right for your family. Everything is completely optional. I am here to support you in whatever way I can. As time goes on, we will all get a better sense of what our students need and make the necessary changes together. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns,

​- Ashley Barrington, Grade 3 Teacher  

​Read Aloud Playlist: