Online K-12 education is an excellent alternative to traditional schooling. Your child can enjoy the flexibility of virtual school with the resources of a program built for their needs. And without location as a factor, you can consider schools that might have been out of reach otherwise.
As a parent, there are a few steps you can take to set your child up for success when it comes to learning online.
How to Manage Your Child’s Time on an Online Schedule
Your child’s online schedule will look a lot different from a typical day of in-person learning. In K-12 online school, your role as a parent might include some of the responsibilities of a teacher. To help your child thrive, you can enforce a daily schedule that works best for the two of you.
The most important aspect of your student’s online education is consistency. A regular lunch and recess break can be a good way to spend time with your child and split up the day. Studies have shown the benefits of physical activity on elementary students’ attention. Even a short walk can make a difference.
Part of planning your child’s virtual schedule is making sure it aligns with your own. You can get more of your work done if your student knows when you’re available for questions or breaks. Checking in on your child during your downtime can teach them to save questions for that time instead of interrupting you.
What You Can Do to Help Your Child Succeed Online
Aside from their schedule, children might need help adjusting to online learning. Here are four things you can do to normalize your child’s virtual education:
- Create an online workspace: Your child’s school station should have all the supplies they need within an arm’s reach. A clean, distraction-free zone will be the best location for your student to feel like they are in a classroom.
- Stay in touch with their teachers: If your child does asynchronous work, you can ask their teachers about upcoming assignments. You are a resource to your child, so understanding their schoolwork can help you both.
- Enforce screen-free time: Breaks should include time away from screens. Your child can improve their attention and get better sleep by spending free time outside, playing with friends or learning a new hobby.
- Know what you’re signing up for: One of the best things you can do is understand how online K-12 school will change your day and your child’s. You can prepare for virtual education by speaking with your student about how they learn best. From there, you can look for an online school that will provide those opportunities.
The Best Online School for Your Child Is Five Minutes Away
In just five minutes, you can have a list of options for your child’s K-12 online education. Our ScholaMatch™ Quiz is a free service for parents like you trying to find the school that fits your needs best. Check it out and start exploring your options today!
Education is not one-size-fits-all! Schola helps families find, connect, and enroll into the ideal educational setting. Take the ScholaMatch quiz to easily f