> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://rolloutready.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Switching from ClassDojo to Seesaw: A Practical Guide for Teachers - URL: https://rolloutready.com/switching-classdojo-seesaw/ - Published: 2026-10-27T11:51:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-27T11:51:00.000Z - Description: Discover practical steps and tips for switching from ClassDojo to Seesaw to improve classroom workflow and student engagement. - Author: Daniel Hayes - Tags: Education Technology, Classroom Management, Student Engagement, Teacher Resources **Short answer:** Switching from ClassDojo to Seesaw involves more than just migrating data; it requires adapting to a different classroom workflow and engagement model. You’ll move from a behavior-focused platform to one centered on student-driven portfolios and communication, affecting how you track progress and interact with families. This guide covers the essential differences between ClassDojo and Seesaw, walks you through preparing your existing ClassDojo data, setting up your Seesaw classes, and managing students and teachers on the new platform. You’ll learn practical classroom implications, tips for effective use, and common pitfalls to avoid to ensure a smooth transition that supports your teaching goals. ## Understand the key differences between ClassDojo and Seesaw ClassDojo primarily centers on behavior management and classroom culture, offering tools like point-based rewards, real-time feedback, and communication channels focused on student conduct. In contrast, Seesaw emphasizes student-driven documentation and digital portfolios, allowing students to actively showcase their learning through photos, videos, drawings, and notes. This distinct focus underpins a different pedagogical approach: ClassDojo tracks behavior, while Seesaw captures learning progress. | Feature | ClassDojo | Seesaw | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | Core Purpose | Behavior management and parent communication | Student portfolio creation and reflection | | Student Interaction | Teacher-controlled points and feedback | Student-driven content creation and sharing | | Parent Engagement | Behavior updates and messaging | Access to student portfolios and learning snapshots | | Classroom Activities | Behavior tracking and class announcements | Assignments with multimedia responses and collaborative projects | For example, in Seesaw, a student learning about plants might document a germination experiment by uploading daily photos, adding voice notes to describe observations, and drawing diagrams directly within the app. This portfolio becomes a dynamic record of learning, accessible to teachers and parents. In contrast, ClassDojo would typically note the student's behavior during the experiment rather than the learning artifacts themselves. User satisfaction often highlights Seesaw’s ability to boost student engagement through creative expression and reflection, while ClassDojo excels in maintaining classroom order. Choosing Seesaw shifts your classroom workflow from monitoring behavior to fostering active student participation and transparent communication about learning progress. ## Prepare your ClassDojo data and classroom for migration Before switching to Seesaw, ensure you properly archive your ClassDojo classes and export relevant data. ClassDojo allows you to archive classes via the "Manage Classes" page. Select the class you want to archive, click the three-dot menu, and choose "Archive Class." Archiving preserves the class data but removes it from your active dashboard. For data export, navigate to "Reports" under the class settings. Here you can generate and download PDF or CSV reports covering student behavior points, attendance, and messages. However, student portfolios and multimedia content are not exportable directly and must be saved manually. Manually transfer key student information such as names, contacts, and any portfolio artifacts by downloading or screenshotting individual work samples. This ensures you retain essential records that Seesaw will not import automatically. Communicate the transition clearly to students and parents. Send a message explaining that ClassDojo will no longer be used and introduce Seesaw as the new platform for sharing student work. Provide step-by-step instructions for joining Seesaw to avoid confusion and ensure continued engagement. For example, a teacher exporting behavior reports from ClassDojo would go to the class page, open "Reports," select the time frame, then download the CSV file. They would save student portfolio photos from the ClassDojo app gallery before archiving the class to maintain access to past work. - Archive each ClassDojo class via "Manage Classes" > three-dot menu > "Archive Class" - Export behavior and attendance reports as PDF or CSV from the "Reports" tab - Manually save student portfolios and multimedia artifacts from the app - Download or screenshot essential student information not included in exports - Notify students and parents about the switch with clear instructions for Seesaw access ## Set up your Seesaw account and create your first class Begin by visiting **app.seesaw.me** and selecting *I'm a Teacher* to create your account. You can sign up using your email or connect through a Google account, streamlining the process if your school uses Google Workspace. Once logged in, you land on the teacher dashboard, where the interface centers on classes, activities, and student portfolios. ![Set up your Seesaw account and create your first class – switching from ClassDojo to Seesaw](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/switching-classdojo-seesaw-2.webp) To create your first class, click **Add New Class** on the dashboard. Enter the class name—something clear, like "Mrs. Smith's 3rd Grade"—and specify the grade level. Seesaw then generates a unique class code, a short alphanumeric string that you will share with your students and their parents. Printing the class code is straightforward: from the class page, select **Class Settings** and choose *Print Class Code*. This produces a handy sheet with the code and instructions, ideal for sending home or displaying in the classroom. You can also email the code directly from the platform. Compared to ClassDojo, setting up Seesaw classes takes a similar amount of time but offers a more intuitive flow for managing portfolios and work submissions. The dashboard’s design emphasizes ongoing student engagement, so expect to spend a few extra minutes acquainting yourself with the tabs for activities and journal entries. For example, after creating "Mrs. Smith's 3rd Grade," you print the class code sheet and distribute it on the first day. Students use the code to join the class, allowing you to immediately start assigning activities and collecting their work digitally. - Go to **app.seesaw.me** and sign up as a teacher - On the dashboard, click **Add New Class** - Enter class name and grade level - Print or email the generated class code from **Class Settings** - Distribute the code to students and parents for easy joining ## How to add students and teachers in Seesaw To get your students into Seesaw efficiently, start by sharing the unique class code generated when you create your class. Students use this code on the Seesaw app or website to join your class directly, streamlining enrollment without manual entry. If a student cannot join via the code, you can manually add them through the "Manage Class" section. Click "Add Student," enter their name, and optionally assign a password for security. This method is useful for younger students or those without easy access to the class code. Adding co-teachers enhances collaboration. Navigate to your class dashboard, select "Manage Class," then "Add Teacher." Enter the co-teacher’s email address to send an invitation. Once accepted, you can assign permissions such as posting content, viewing student work, or managing class settings. This flexibility helps maintain clear roles and responsibilities among staff. For example, in a third-grade classroom, Ms. Smith shared the class code during morning announcements, allowing her 25 students to join quickly. She then added her teaching assistant as a co-teacher with limited permissions to comment on student work but not change class settings, ensuring smooth teamwork. Experienced teachers recommend regularly reviewing co-teacher permissions and reminding students to keep their login details secure. For a visual walkthrough, consult Seesaw’s official video tutorial on adding students and teachers, found in their Help Center. - Share the unique class code with students for easy joining - Manually add students if they cannot use the code - Invite co-teachers via email and assign appropriate permissions - Review and update co-teacher permissions periodically ## Use Seesaw effectively in the classroom Seesaw thrives as a platform where students actively create and share their learning artifacts. Assign activities by selecting from Seesaw’s Activity Library or creating custom tasks using the “Create” button. For example, assign a “Draw and Explain” task where students illustrate a science concept and record their voice explaining it, blending visual and oral skills. Encourage students to use Seesaw’s drawing, video, photo, and text tools to express themselves. These multimedia options foster engagement and accommodate diverse learning styles. A teacher shared that students produced richer work when allowed to combine a narrated video with hand-drawn diagrams, rather than just submitting text answers. Managing class logs is straightforward via the “Journal” tab, where you can monitor submissions, leave feedback, and tag posts by skill or standard for organized assessment. For instance, after a writing assignment, review each student’s journal entry, comment directly on their work, and use the “Skills” feature to mark progress on specific objectives. Sample classroom activity: In a social studies unit on local government, assign students to interview a family member or neighbor about community roles, then upload a recorded video or written summary. This student-generated content enriches discussion and makes learning personal. - Assign activities using the Activity Library or custom creation - Encourage use of multimedia tools for diverse expression - Use the Journal tab to track submissions and provide feedback - Tag posts with skills to monitor progress on learning goals - Design assignments that prompt real-world connections and student voice ## Manage your Seesaw classes over time: archiving and unarchiving Archiving classes in Seesaw helps keep your account organized by moving completed or inactive classes out of your active list without deleting student data. When you archive a class, all student work, posts, and teacher notes remain intact and accessible only by unarchiving the class later. This ensures you preserve a complete record while reducing clutter. ![Manage your Seesaw classes over time: archiving and unarchiving – switching from ClassDojo to Seesaw](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/switching-classdojo-seesaw-3.webp) To archive a class, go to your Classes page, click the three-dot menu next to the class name, and select **Archive Class**. Confirm your choice. The class will then move to the Archived tab, removing it from your active view but keeping all student portfolios and submissions safe. According to Seesaw’s official help center, archived classes retain all data and can be reviewed or restored anytime. Unarchiving is equally straightforward. Navigate to the Archived tab on your Classes page, find the class you want to restore, click the three-dot menu, and select **Unarchive Class**. This returns the class to your active list, allowing you to continue adding posts, assignments, and comments as before. A common pitfall is archiving a class prematurely, especially before finalizing grade submissions or sharing reports with parents. For example, a teacher who archives a class immediately after the school year ends might forget to retrieve last-minute parent feedback or missing assignments, complicating follow-up. Best practices include waiting until all grading and parent communication are complete before archiving, labeling your classes clearly with school year and subject, and regularly reviewing your Archived tab to decide if any classes should be unarchived for longitudinal student review or portfolio purposes. - Archive classes only after completing all administrative tasks - Use clear, consistent naming conventions for classes - Check the Archived tab periodically for needed restorations - Remember archiving preserves data but hides the class from active views ## Common mistakes to avoid when switching to Seesaw One frequent oversight is failing to back up your ClassDojo data before making the switch. Since ClassDojo does not support automatic data transfer to Seesaw, neglecting to export behavior reports and student portfolios can result in lost records. For example, a teacher shared that she couldn’t retrieve last semester’s positive behavior notes because she hadn’t saved the ClassDojo data beforehand. Another common challenge is undercommunicating with parents during the transition. Without clear instructions and updates, parents often feel disconnected or confused about accessing Seesaw. A survey of educators found that frustration spikes when parents are unaware of login procedures or the reasons behind the switch. Many teachers also fall into the trap of underutilizing Seesaw’s interactive tools due to habit. Seesaw’s strength lies in student-driven activities like video reflections and drawing tools, but some educators stick to passive posting, missing engagement opportunities. One teacher reported that after switching, she initially used Seesaw only as a digital bulletin board, which limited student participation. Confusing student login procedures is another hurdle. Seesaw offers multiple sign-in options—class codes, QR codes, or manual entry—and mixing these up can cause delays and frustration. For instance, a teacher who sent class codes to some students and QR codes to others found that several students struggled to access their accounts on the first day. - Always export and save ClassDojo data before switching - Communicate clearly and frequently with parents about the new platform - Explore and encourage use of Seesaw’s interactive features to boost engagement - Choose a consistent student login method and provide step-by-step instructions ## Read next - [Switching from ClassDojo to Remind: Your Step-by-Step Checklist](https://rolloutready.com/p/) - [Moving from ClassDojo to ParentSquare: Your Complete Checklist](https://rolloutready.com/p/) - [ClassDojo Rollout Plan for Substitute Teachers: A Practical Guide](https://rolloutready.com/classdojo-rollout-plan-substitute-teachers/) - [ClassDojo Implementation Timeline: Your Complete Explainer Guide](https://rolloutready.com/classdojo-implementation-timeline/) ## Frequently asked questions ### How to get class code on seesaw? To get the class code in Seesaw, open your class page and click the **Activities** tab. Then select **Invite Students**. The class code appears there, typically a 6-digit alphanumeric code that students use to join your class. Make sure to share this code securely with your students or their parents. ### How to use seesaw for teachers? Teachers use Seesaw by creating classes, inviting students, and assigning activities or tasks through the **Activities** tab. It allows you to collect student work digitally, provide feedback, and communicate with families. Navigating between the **Journal**, **Activities**, and **Inbox** tabs helps manage daily classroom interactions efficiently. ### How to archive a class in seesaw? To archive a class, go to your Seesaw **Classes** list, click the three-dot menu next to the class name, and select **Archive Class**. Archiving preserves the class data but removes it from your active classes list. You can unarchive it later if needed through the **Archived Classes** filter. ### How to add a teacher to seesaw? Add a teacher by opening your class, clicking the **People** tab, then selecting **Add Teacher**. Enter the teacher’s email address and send the invite. The invited teacher must accept the email invitation to join and have access to the class content. ### How to add students to seesaw? Add students by going to your class **People** tab, then clicking **Invite Students**. You can either share the unique class code for students to join themselves or add them manually by entering their names or email addresses. For younger students, sharing the class code with parents is often easier for account setup. ## Limits of This Guide This guide does not cover district-wide IT policies or bulk data migration tools that some schools may require. Individual teachers should coordinate with their school’s technology staff for large-scale transitions and technical support beyond the classroom level. ## Quick checklist - Review your ClassDojo data and export any essential student information and reports. - Create your Seesaw teacher account and set up your first class from the dashboard. - Invite students and co-teachers using Seesaw’s class code or email invitations. - Familiarize yourself with Seesaw’s activity library and student portfolio features. - Plan how you will communicate with families through Seesaw’s messaging tools. - Establish a routine for archiving and unarchiving classes at term or year end. - Avoid common pitfalls like skipping student data backup or neglecting to adjust notification settings. To move forward confidently, start by setting up your first Seesaw class and inviting your students. This hands-on step helps you experience the classroom workflow changes firsthand and identify any adjustments needed before fully transitioning from ClassDojo.