How to Make Online School Work for Your Family

Are you considering enrolling in an online school to accommodate your family’s needs but aren’t sure how it will work? You’re not alone! Millions of people are now finding the flexibility and convenience of online education a perfect solution for their busy lives.

This post will outline some ways to make online learning work for your family. Keep reading for tips on scheduling, communication, and more!

Ways of Making Online School Work for Your Family

There are a few things to consider when making the switch to online education, but with a little planning, it can be a seamless transition for your family. Here are the top 8 ways to make online school work for your family:

1. Establish a schedule and stick to it.

One of the advantages of online school is the ability to create a custom learning schedule that fits your family’s needs. You can work around nap times, illnesses, and even vacations!

However, this flexibility can also be a challenge if you’re not used to planning your own time. Here are a few tips for creating a successful routine:

• Start with a blank calendar. Add in any regular activities like work, appointments, and extracurriculars. Then fill in your child’s online school classes and assignments.
• Make sure to include breaks. Just like traditional schools, online students need time to play and relax. Schedule some downtime every day or two.
• Be flexible. Things will come up! Leave some blank space in your schedule for unexpected events or days when you need to adjust the plan.
• Get input from your child. They should be involved in creating their own schedule to ensure that it works for them.

Creating a schedule will help your online high school students know what to expect each day and ensure that learning time is not interrupted by other activities. A typical online school day might look something like this:

7:00 am – Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast

8:00 am – Log in to class and start learning!

12:00 pm – Eat lunch and take a break

1:00 pm – Log back in to class and finish up for the day

3:00 pm – Wrap up any unfinished work, log off, and enjoy the rest of your day!

2. Communication is key.

Since you and your child’s teacher will not be seeing each other in person every day, it’s important to establish clear lines of communication from the start. Most online schools use a learning management system (LMS) like Blackboard or Schoology, which provide easy ways for parents and teachers to stay in touch.

Here are a few tips for communication:

• Have regular check-ins with your child’s teacher. This could be done through email, phone calls, or video chats.
• make sure you understand the expectations for each assignment. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
• Keep track of deadlines and upcoming tests/quizzes. This will help you ensure that your child is prepared and has enough time to complete their work.
• Celebrate your child’s successes. Be sure to let their teacher know when they’ve had a great day or done something well.

3. Set up a dedicated learning space.

One of the benefits of online school is that it can be done from anywhere. However, it’s important to create a dedicated learning space for your child at home. This will help them focus and stay on track while working on assignments. Here are a few tips for setting up a successful learning space:

• Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions. This could be a spare bedroom, the kitchen table, or even a corner of the living room.
• Make sure the space is well-lit and comfortable. Consider investing in a desk or chair that is the right size for your child.
• Stock the space with supplies like paper, pencils, and other school materials.
• Set up any technology that will be needed, such as a laptop or printer.
• Keep the space tidy. A cluttered learning space can be distracting and make it harder to focus on schoolwork.

Creating a dedicated learning space will help your child stay focused and on track while they’re working on their online school assignments.

4. Take advantage of learning opportunities outside of class.

One of the great things about online school is that it opens up new opportunities for learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. A wealth of resources are available online, including educational websites, games, and videos.

Here are a few ideas for taking advantage of these learning opportunities:

• Use educational websites to supplement your child’s learning. There are many sites that offer interactive games, activities, and videos on a variety of topics.
• Watch educational videos together as a family. These can be found on websites like YouTube.
• Play learning games together as a family. There are many games available online that can help reinforce concepts learned in school.
• Visit museums and other cultural institutions online. Many museums offer virtual tours or online exhibits that can be accessed from home.
• Read books together as a family. Reading is a great way to learn about new topics and expand your child’s knowledge.

There are many ways to take advantage of learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom setting. Incorporating some of these ideas into your family’s routine can help your child succeed in their online school courses.

5. Help your child stay organized and on track.

One of the challenges of online school is staying organized and on track with assignments. Here are a few tips to help your child stay on top of their work:

• Create a daily or weekly schedule for schoolwork and stick to it as much as possible. This will help your child know when they need to be working on schoolwork and when they can take breaks.
• Help your child create a system for keeping track of their online assignments. This could involve using a planner, creating a to-do list, or setting up reminders on their phone or computer.
• Encourage your child to take breaks and relax when they’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to take breaks in order to avoid burnout.
• Check in with your child’s teacher regularly to ensure they understand the material and stay on track with their work.
• Help your child set goals for each assignment and break it down into smaller tasks. This will help them stay focused and motivated while they’re working.

By following these tips, you can help your child stay organized and on track with their online schoolwork.

6. Set rules and limits for screen time.

With online school, it’s important to set rules and limits for screen time. This will help your child focus on their schoolwork and avoid burnout. Here are a few tips for setting screen time limits:

• Decide how much screen time is appropriate for your child based on their age and attention span.
• Set specific times for when your child can use screens during the day. For example, they may be allowed to use screens for an hour after they finish their homework.
• Stick to the rules you set as much as possible. It’s important to be consistent with limits in order to help your child stay focused on their work.
• Encourage your child to take breaks from screens throughout the day. This will help them avoid burnout and stay refreshed for their schoolwork.
• Help your child find other activities to do when they’re not using screens. This could involve reading, playing outside, or doing a craft project.

7. Find a study buddy.

One way to help your child succeed in online school is to find them a study buddy. A study buddy is someone who your child can work with on assignments and projects.

This could be a friend, classmate, or another student in their online school courses. Here are a few tips for finding a study buddy:

• Ask your child’s teacher if they know of any other students who would be a good match for your child.
• Look for other families who have children in the same online school courses as your child. You can connect with these families through online parent groups or forums.
• Ask your child’s friends if they know of anyone who would be a good study buddy for your child.
• Search for online study buddy programs that match students based on their interests and needs.
• Help your child choose a responsible study buddy who can help them stay on track with their work.

8. Encourage positive thinking.

Another way to make online school work for your family is to encourage positive thinking. This means helping your child focus on the things that they can control and letting go of things that they can’t control.

Additionally, positive thinking can help your child manage stress and anxiety. Here are a few tips for encouraging positive thinking:

• Help your child identify their strengths and weaknesses. This can help them focus on the things that they’re good at and work on improving the things that they’re not as good at.
• Encourage your child to set realistic goals for themselves. This will help them avoid getting discouraged and feeling like they’re not doing well.
• Help your child find ways to cope with stress and anxiety. This could involve teaching them relaxation techniques or helping them find a support group.
• Encourage your child to be grateful for what they have. This could involve keeping a gratitude journal or writing down three things that they’re thankful for each day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of online school, take a deep breath. It can be done, and it can work for your family. You just need to find the right program and get organized. The best way to do that is to contact High School of America today.

Our admissions counselors are happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the right program for your family. We look forward to helping you achieve success in high school – and beyond!