New Learning Coach Guide: How to Start Online School

August 7, 2024 byConnections Academy

5 min to read

A learning coach in a grey sweater assisting her student in a white t-shirt while on her laptop taking an online class at Connections Academy.

As your child’s Learning Coach, you’ve accomplished a lot so far.

You and your student have created an inviting, inspiring learning space, checked off all the boxes on the school supplies list, and tested the technology to make sure it’s ready to go.

Together, you worked out a school-day schedule that is tailored to your child’s learning preferences; keeps them focused by setting start and finish times for lessons and homework; and includes time for family events, exercise, and extracurricular activities.

That’s only the beginning though.

As their Learning Coach, you will be a cheerleader, mentor, and guide over the course of your student’s online schooling. You will have a significant role in shaping their educational achievement, personal growth, and life-skills development. And you will face challenges. Yet, through it all, you will earn a deep sense of fulfillment as your efforts pay off in your student’s progress and success.

If you’re not sure where to start school online, we’ve curated articles from across the Connections Academy Resource Hub to help you lean into your new role.

Remember, your student’s teacher is always your best resource. They want your student to thrive as much as you do, and they’re committed to providing the insights, answers, and expertise to nurture your child’s development.

Resources That Support Student Orientation for Online School

Conversation starters to set and reinforce expectations about:

Managing time — Share five easy steps with your student to build effective, efficient skills that improve self-discipline, academic performance, and decision-making abilities.
Finding balance - How to help your child scale back when they're overcommitted.
Overcoming procrastination — Understand why students put things off and learn ways to get them to start on time, focus, and stay on task.
Solving problems — Show your child why standing up to a challenge instead of shying away helps them build confidence and independence.
Motivation — Discover the three psychological needs that are the foundation of self-reliance.

How to Develop Important Life Skills in Online School

Inspire your student to become:

Adaptable — Delve into a critical soft skill that enables students to overcome barriers, piques their curiosity, and supports leadership and teamwork development.
Independent — Encourage your student to take ownership of education by helping them develop an essential lifelong skill that prepares them for a dynamic, unpredictable future.
Intentional — Help your student understand how a growth mindset enlarges their learning potential.

Articles About Personal Growth

Student orientation ideas develop their human potential through:

Socialization — Assure your student that, contrary to the myth that online education deprives them of time with their peers, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize.
People skills — Discover ways to build the interpersonal skills that help students resolve conflict, listen, solve problems, collaborate, and enrich their emotional intelligence.
Positive thinking — Model an optimistic mindset that encourages your student to adopt a way of thinking that promotes physical and mental well-being, confidence, and resiliency.
Self-esteem — Inspire your student to believe in themselves, their abilities, and their willingness to accept challenges and use defeat as an opportunity to learn.
Volunteerism — Find opportunities for your child to give back to the community and show your family’s values in action.

Resources to Help You and Your Student Start Online School

Being your student’s Learning Coach doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Take a look at these 4 life hacks for Learning Coaches—which links to a downloadable PDF checklist—that are based on our 20 years of experience helping them inspire and encourage their students.
Check out these 6 habits of successful Learning Coaches to help set your student up for success.
Pearson Connections Academy backs you up with full technology support to troubleshoot problems via remote diagnostics.
You can also watch an on-demand video, Understanding Your Role as Parent & Learning Coach, as well as join live, interactive online events led by Learning Coach support staff.

Tips for Managing Multiple Students Attending School Online

One of the advantages of online learning is that it enables greater parental involvement in their students’ education. However, it can be challenging for Learning Coaches to manage one student on their learning journey, let alone more than one?

Different students have different needs, even in the same family. Here are seven strategies to work with them.
The experience gleaned by experienced teachers and educators can help you set up a system to ensure each student gets the support they need.
Did you know older students can help you mentor your other students? That’s one of several strategies available.
Different students with different intelligences thrive under different learning theories. One learning theory may be great for one student but not work for another.

We are committed to helping you in every way possible as you foster your student’s curiosity and development, inside and outside of the classroom.