A Guide to Canvas for Parents
Need a review of Canvas? Check out these helpful videos:
Creating a Parent Canvas Account
crear una cuenta de Canvas principal
usando la aplicación de Canvas
Using Canvas on a Mobile Device
usando Canvas en un dispositivo movil
What is Canvas?
Canvas is a Learning Management System (LMS) that will be used by Henry County Public Schools. Teachers will use Canvas to post assignments, to send messages to parents and students, to display daily schedules, to post homework, and so much more!
How Can Parents Use Canvas?
Since teachers are providing information through Canvas, it is important that parents become observers, in order to access class information. When enrolling as an observer, parents are linked to students. Observers cannot submit work on behalf of students they observe, but they can see student grades, assignments and events, and course interactions.
How Can Parents Enroll?
Navigate to https://henry.instructure.com/login/canvas and select “Click here for an account” to begin the account creation. You will need an email address, user-defined password and student pairing code. For additional assistance, follow the step-by-step instruction guide that can be found here: Creating a Canvas Observer Account
To enroll as an observer, you will need a pairing code. Students can generate pairing codes from the User Settings inside their Canvas account. You may also obtain those codes from the child's classroom teacher. If you still cannot locate the pairing code, please contact the ITRT for your school. (contact information below). You will only be able to enter one of your children during this initial step. After completing the first step, you will receive an email verifying your account information. You will then be able to enroll additional children by following the directions on How to Add Additional Students to Your Canvas Account.
Is there a Canvas App for my Smartphone?
Yes. Canvas does have an app that you can use on your smartphone to stay informed of upcoming deadlines, assignments, and events; however, we recommend that you use a web browser in order to see your student’s class pages and content.
Go to the App Store on your Apple device or Google Play on an Android device. Download the Canvas Parent app. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up your parent account via the Canvas app, please see the video below.
For additional information and resources on the Canvas app, please visit the following Guide to Parent Canvas App (Apple devices) or Guide to Parent Canvas App (Android devices).
Now That I am Enrolled, What is Next?
To access your Canvas account, be sure to visit https://henry.instructure.com/login/canvas using an internet browser.
While there is a parent app for Canvas, it is limited to viewing assignments only. Therefore, we recommend using the internet browser, rather than the app.
To discover all the observer features in Canvas, please visit the Canvas Observer Guidebook. This online resource has everything that you need to know about the following topics:
- How do I reset my password?
- How do I set my Canvas notification preferences?
- How do I edit my profile in my user account?
- How do I view my user files as an observer?
- How do I view course files as an observer?
- How do I navigate a Canvas course as an observer?
- How do I link a student to my user account as an observer?
What if I Still Don't 'Get It'?
Visit the Canvas Help Desk page to complete a survey and a member of the technology team will be in contact with you.
Need help with your students account?
Please visit A Guide to Canvas for Students on the Tech This Out page or contact their teacher directly.