Guide to Canvas: Student Logins & Parent Observer Accounts
Hello Parents and Guardians!
My name is Kaley King, and I help run our Canvas site here at Spectrum Academy! Canvas is our online learning hub where teachers share lessons, assignments, quizzes, and resources. While it is mostly used in grades 7 through 12, some of our K through 6 and Functional Skills teachers use it, too. If you are wondering whether setting up a parent account would be helpful for your K through 6 or Functional Skills student, feel free to check with your student's homeroom or advisory teacher!
Below, you will find quick info on how your student can log in from home and how you can set up a parent account to follow along with their progress.
1. How Students Log In at Home
For the smoothest experience, we recommend using the Google Chrome browser.
-
Before Logging In: If your home computer is signed into another personal Google or Gmail account, Chrome might try to use those credentials instead of your student's school account. This can prevent Canvas from opening properly. To avoid this, just have your student open a Guest window or log into their school Chrome profile first.
Need the mobile app or having trouble? If these options aren't working or your student wants to use the Canvas Student app on a phone or tablet, just email me! I can set up a quick account adjustment called an alias to get them right in.
2. How Parents and Guardians Can Follow Along
Becoming a Canvas "Observer" lets you see your student's classes, assignment due dates, and grades. Here are two clear ways to get set up:
-
Option 1 (Fastest): Grab a code from your student
Have your student log in and follow these steps to generate a pairing code.
Then, follow these steps to create your account using that code.
-
Option 2: Let me send you a code
Just fill out this form and I will email you a pairing code with simple instructions. (If you have more than one student at Spectrum, please fill out a form for each child so I can link them all for you!)
Need Help or Have Questions?
I am always happy to help you or your student get connected. Please feel free to email me anytime at kking@spectrumcharter.org. We can easily sort things out over email or set up a quick phone call!