The Do’s and Don’ts of Monitoring Your Child’s Online School Performance
As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to help your children succeed in their online courses. This includes monitoring their progress and helping them stay on track academically. But how can you be sure you’re doing it the right way?
Check out our list of do’s and don’ts for monitoring your child’s online school performance. With these tips, you can make sure they get the most out of their education – and stay safe online at the same time!
Do’s of Monitoring Your Child’s Online School Performance
The do’s of monitoring your child’s online school performance are as follows:
1. Use a Parental Control App
A parental control app can help you keep track of your child’s online activities and ensure they stay safe while using the internet. Look for an app that lets you monitor their web browsing, set limits on screen time, and view their activity history. This way, you can be sure they’re not spending too much time online – or accessing inappropriate content.
2. Check Their Grades Regularly
Most online schools offer parents the ability to check grades and progress reports online. Make it a habit to check in on your child’s grades regularly so you can identify any areas where they may need extra help. If their grades start to slip, reach out to their teacher for guidance on how you can assist them at home.
3. Review Their Class Schedule
It’s important to stay up-to-date on your child’s class schedule so you know when assignments are due and can help them stay on track. Most online schools provide a parent portal where you can view your child’s current and upcoming courses. Take some time each week to review their schedule and ensure they’re keeping up with their work.
4. Communicate with Their Teacher
One of the best ways to monitor your child’s online school performance is to establish a good line of communication with their teacher. Ask about their strengths and weaknesses, what they’re struggling with, and what you can do to help at home. With regular communication, you can ensure your child is getting the most out of their education.
5. Encourage Them to Take Breaks
It’s important for children to take breaks while they’re working on schoolwork – especially if they’re doing it online. Do encourage them to step away from the computer every few hours to take a break and move around. This will help them stay focused and avoid burnout.
6. Help Them Stay Organized
Staying organized is key to success in an online school. Help your child create a study schedule and set up a dedicated workspace where they can do their work. Ensure they have all the supplies they need, such as a good internet connection, a quiet workplace, and any books or materials required for their high school courses.
7. Monitor Their Screen Time
Spending too much time in front of a screen can harm children’s mental and physical health. Make sure your child is taking breaks and limiting their screen time to no more than two hours per day. If possible, have them take a break from screens altogether on weekends and holidays.
8. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is important for success in school – and in life. Help your child develop healthy habits by encouraging them to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits will help improve their focus, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
9. Encourage Them to Be Social
While online school can be isolating, children need to socialize and interact with their peers. Encourage them to join a club or participate in extracurricular activities to make friends and connect with others. This will help them stay engaged in their education and avoid feelings of loneliness or isolation.
10. Set Limits on Technology Use
It’s important to set limits on technology use for your child’s safety and academic success. Establish rules for when and how they can use devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops. And make sure they understand the consequences of breaking these rules.
By following these tips, you can help your child succeed in online learning. With regular communication and support, they can overcome any challenges they face and get the most out of their education.
Don’ts of Monitoring Your Child’s Online School Performance?
The don’ts of monitoring your child’s online school performance are as follows:
1. Don’t Let Them Fall Behind
If your child starts to fall behind in their work, it’s important to take action immediately. Otherwise, they may become overwhelmed and discouraged. Talk to their teacher about what’s going on and ask for advice on how you can help them catch up.
2. Don’t Ignore Their Progress
Just because your child is doing schoolwork online doesn’t mean you can forget about their progress. It’s important to check in with their teachers regularly and review their grades and progress reports. This will help you identify any areas where they may need extra help.
3. Don’t Forget About Their Class Schedule
It’s important to stay up-to-date on your child’s class schedule. This way, you can help them stay on track and ensure they’re doing their work on time. Review their schedule regularly and ensure they have all the materials they need for each class.
4. Don’t Let Them Use Their Devices Without supervision
It’s important to monitor your child’s screen time and internet use. This will help you ensure they’re using their devices safely and not spending too much time online. Make sure you know what websites they’re visiting and what apps they’re using. And set limits on how much time they can spend on their devices each day.
5. Don’t Give Them Too Much Freedom
While it’s important to give your child some independence, they may need more structure and supervision than they would in a traditional school setting. This is especially true if they’re struggling with their work or have difficulty staying on track. Be sure to set clear expectations and rules for their online learning.
6. Don’t Encourage Procrastination
Procrastination can be a big problem for students doing schoolwork online. If your child is having trouble getting started on their work, try to encourage them to take small steps and break their assignments into smaller tasks. This will help them avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to get started.
7. Don’t Allow Them to Cheat
Cheating is never acceptable, no matter what the circumstances are. If you suspect your child is cheating, talk to their teacher immediately. Cheating can lead to serious consequences, including expulsion from school.
8. Don’t Encourage Them to Do Less Work
It’s important to encourage your child to do their best and not take shortcuts in their work. This will help them develop good study habits and prepare them for success in the future. Remind them that they need to put in the effort now so they can reap the rewards later.
9. Don’t Make Excuses for Their Behavior
If your child is acting out or having difficulty following rules, it’s important to address the issue head-on. Don’t make excuses for their behavior or try to downplay the situation. This will only worsen it and may cause them to act out more.
10. Don’t Be Too Strict
While setting rules and expectations is important, you don’t want to be too strict. This will only make your child resentful and may cause them to rebel. Be firm but fair, and try to find a balance that works for both of you. Add in some flexibility to allow for different learning styles and personalities.
11. Don’t Pressure Them to Get Perfect Grades
It’s important to encourage your child to do their best, but don’t put too much pressure on them to get perfect grades. This can lead to stress and anxiety and may cause them to give up altogether. Instead, focus on their effort and progress, and praise them for their successes, no matter how small.
12. Don’t Compare Them to Other Students
Comparisons are always unfair, and they can be particularly damaging to children. If you compare your child to other students, they may feel like they’re not good enough or falling behind. This can lead to low self-esteem and a negative outlook on learning. Instead of comparing them to others, focus on their strengths and weaknesses.
13. Don’t Ignore Their Feelings
Your child is bound to have good days and bad days while learning from home. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings and help them work through their emotions. This will help them feel supported and understood and will make it easier for them to cope with the ups and downs of online learning.
14. Don’t Be Too Involved
While it’s important to be involved in your child’s education, you don’t want to be too overbearing. This can cause them to feel suffocated and may make them resistant to learning. Instead, strike a balance between being supportive and giving them the space, they need to grow and learn independently.
Final Thoughts
Monitoring your child’s online school performance is important, and with the right tools, it can be easy. By following the do’s and don’ts we’ve outlined in this blog post, you can help ensure that your child stays on track academically while still having some peace of mind.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at High School of America. We are here to help you and your family succeed both educationally and emotionally.