For Parents: 7 Tips for Success in Online Homeschooling
Are you thinking about homeschooling your child but are worried that they won’t get the same level of education they would receive in a traditional school? Or maybe you’re already homeschooling and are looking for ways to improve your methods?
In either case, online homeschooling may be the perfect solution for you. Unlike traditional schooling, online homeschooling allows students to learn in a variety of settings, with a variety of materials, and at their own pace. This flexibility can be a great advantage for students who struggle in a traditional school setting or who have unique needs that can’t be met in a classroom environment.
In this blog post, we will discuss seven tips for success in online homeschooling. Keep reading to learn more!
Top 7 Tips for Success in Online Homeschooling
When homeschooling online, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help set you and your child up for success. Here are our top 7 online homeschooling tips:
1. Make a schedule and stick to it.
One of the great advantages of online homeschooling is that it can be done on a flexible schedule. However, this flexibility can also be a downside if not managed properly. Without a set schedule, it can be easy for students to get behind or lose motivation.
Tip for setting up a daily homeschool schedule:
- Set regular times for each subject: When creating a daily routine, it’s important to set regular times for each subject. This will help your child know when it’s time to focus on their studies.
- Make sure to include breaks: It’s important to include breaks in the daily routine. This will give your child time to relax and reset before getting back to work.
- Be flexible when needed: There will be days when the routine needs to be adjusted. Be flexible and allow for changes when needed. This will help keep your child on track while still allowing for some flexibility.
- Stick to the routine as much as possible: The more you stick to the daily routine, the easier it will be for your child to get into a learning groove. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, but try to stick to the schedule as much as possible.
Example of a typical homeschool schedule:
8:00-8:30 breakfast and morning routine
8:30-9:00 language arts
9:00-9:30 math
9:30-10:00 break
10:00-10:30 science
10:30-11:00 social studies
11:00-11:30 lunch and recess
11:30-12:00 Language arts
12:00-12:30 Math
12:30-1:00 Science
1:00-1:15 nap or quiet time
2. Choose the right homeschool curriculum.
Not all homeschooling curriculums are created equal. There are a variety of homeschooling curriculums available, so take some time to research different options before making a decision.
How to choose the best homeschool for your family:
a) Consider your child’s learning style.
Different children learn in different ways. Some are visual learners and do best with material that includes lots of pictures and diagrams.
Others are auditory learners and prefer to learn through listening to lectures or audiobooks. Still, others are kinesthetic learners and benefit from hands-on activities.
Keep your child’s learning style in mind when choosing a homeschool curriculum, as this will significantly affect how well they can engage with the material.
b) Consider your family’s educational philosophy.
Before homeschooling, it’s important to take some time to consider your family’s educational philosophy. This will help you narrow down your curriculum choices and find a program that aligns with your values and beliefs.
For example, if you place a high value on independent learning, you may want to choose a curriculum that allows your child to work at their own pace.
c) Think about your goals for homeschooling.
What are your goals for homeschooling? Are you hoping to prepare your child for college? Do you want to provide a more individualized education? Is your goal to give your child a well-rounded education? Knowing your goals will help you choose a curriculum that is best suited for your family.
d) Compare cost and content.
Homeschooling can be expensive, so it’s important to compare the cost of different curriculums before making a decision. In addition to cost, compare the content of different homeschooling programs to ensure they are a good fit for your family.
Once you’ve chosen a curriculum, make sure to preview the material and familiarize yourself with it before beginning instruction. This will help you anticipate any questions or challenges your child may have.
3. Set up a designated learning space.
One of the keys to online homeschooling success is setting up a designated learning space in your home. This means creating an area that is comfortable and free from distractions like television or video games. The learning space should also be well-lit and organized.
Having a designated learning space will help your child stay focused and on track with their studies.
Tips for setting up a designated learning space:
a) Choose a quiet location.
When setting up a designated learning space, it’s important to choose a quiet location in your home. This will help minimize distractions and allow your child to focus on their studies.
b) Make sure the space is well-lit.
Good lighting is essential for designated learning spaces. A well-lit room will help your child stay focused and make it easier to see their work.
c) Keep the space organized.
An organized learning space is a productive learning space. Make sure to keep books, materials, and supplies neatly stored away. This will help your child find what they need quickly and avoid wasting time searching for things.
d) Personalize the space.
Make the designated learning space feel like it belongs to your child. Allow them to personalize the space with their own belongings and decorations. This will help them feel comfortable and motivated to learn in the space.
4. Find a support group.
One of the best ways to succeed in online homeschooling is to join a support group. There are many groups available online and in person. Joining a group will give you access to resources, advice, and support from other homeschooling families.
Tips for finding a support group:
a) Ask around.
Start by asking friends, family, and neighbors if they know of any homeschooling groups in the area. They may be able to provide some great leads.
b) Search online.
There are many online directories that list homeschooling groups in the area. This is a great way to find groups that meet your specific needs.
c) Join a national organization.
There are many national organizations that support homeschooling families. Joining one of these groups will give you access to resources and support from other members.
d) Attend homeschooling events.
Homeschooling events are a great way to meet other families and learn about different resources. Many events offer workshops, classes, and activities for homeschooling families.
5. Take learning beyond the classroom.
One of the great things about homeschooling is that learning can happen anywhere. There are many opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. These opportunities can help your child’s education come to life.
Tips for taking learning beyond the classroom:
a) Visit museums and historical sites.
Museums and historical sites are great places to learn about different subjects. In addition, many offer educational programs and resources specifically for homeschooling families.
b) Go on field trips.
Field trips are a great way to learn about different courses hands-on. There are many options for field trips, both local and online.
c) Attend community events.
Community events are a great way to learn about different cultures and traditions. In addition, many events offer educational programs and resources specifically for homeschooling families.
d) Participate in service projects.
Service projects are a great way to learn about giving back to the community. They also provide an opportunity for your child to put their learning into practice.
6. Keep a positive attitude.
Another important thing you can do as a parent is to keep a positive attitude about online homeschooling. It’s important to remember that there will be good days and bad days. The key is to focus on the positive and continue moving forward.
Tips for keeping a positive attitude:
a) Set realistic expectations.
It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your child. This will help you manage your own stress and keep things in perspective.
b) Take breaks when needed.
There will be times when you need to take a break from homeschooling. This is normal and okay. Don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself when needed.
c) Seek out support.
There are many online resources and support groups available for homeschooling families. Utilizing these resources can help you stay positive and motivated.
7. Make learning a family activity.
Another great thing about homeschooling is that it offers the opportunity to make learning a family activity. This can be a great way to bond with your child and provide additional support for their learning.
Tips for making learning a family activity:
a) Read together.
Reading is a great way to learn together as a family. You can take turns reading aloud, discuss what you’re reading, and more.
b) Do projects together.
Doing projects together is a great way to learn new skills and knowledge. You can work on simple projects at home or participate in more complex ones online.
c) Play educational games together.
Playing educational games together is a great way to have fun while learning. There are many games available on a variety of subjects.
d) Cook together.
Cooking is a great way to learn about different cultures and traditions. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your child and teach them new skills.
Final Thoughts
While online homeschooling may come with unique challenges, it can also be a rewarding experience for parents and students. If you’re considering online homeschooling for high school diploma or are just starting, we hope the tips in this article have been helpful.
At High School of America, we want to support families as they work to provide their children with an excellent education.
Contact us today to learn more about our online high school program and how we can help your family thrive in the virtual world of education.
