How to Help Your Online Kindergartner Excel
byConnections Academy
5 min to read
Kindergarten is one of the most crucial learning years in school. Why? In kindergarten, children build foundational skills, experience curiosity, and establish the groundwork for their future education.
While each child is different, kindergarten gives all young learners the structure they need for a lifetime of learning. So whether your student is already in online kindergarten, or you’re considering a virtual program, find out how you can maximize their experience to help them excel in this grade and beyond.
What to Expect: Online Kindergarten 101
Who Might Benefit from Online Kindergarten?
Online school provides extensive benefits for students of all ages—and kindergartners aren’t exempt! Many young students are learning successfully in virtual settings. So, if you’re wondering if kindergarten online is the right avenue for your child, take a look at some of the types of students that can thrive in online school:
- Independent learners
- Creative students
- Gifted students who excel with challenging coursework
What Is Online School Like for Kindergartners?
Much like traditional school, kindergarten online is when children begin learning a basic curriculum in all subjects— including science, social studies, and the arts. Young learners also start building familiarity with important academic topics like reading, writing, and math.
Online kindergarten courses at Connections Academy® introduce students to education fundamentals while encouraging them to become curious, creative learners. Students explore the world around them through concepts like health and technology, which also provide opportunities for hands-on instruction.
For example, at Michigan Connections Academy, kindergarten online learning includes computer science courses as part of the curriculum where students learn the principles of responsible internet use and gain a solid foundation of skills that help them excel in the classroom.
Igniting curiosity is integral to our curriculum design at Connections Academy. So, online kindergartners have access to engaging lesson content featuring rich graphics, videos, and interactive elements that allow them to connect with teachers and classmates in a way that makes learning fun!
How to Help Your Online Kindergarten Student Excel
Now that we’ve answered the basics, here’s how you can help your online kindergarten student make the most of their experience!
Use Movement
Research shows that when students take active breaks throughout the day, it increases productivity, creativity, and social skills. If you find that your kindergarten student gets restless in the afternoon as the day is winding down, incorporate afternoon walks so they can breathe fresh air and stretch their legs. This will serve as a nice change of scenery and a welcome break from coursework. You might also invite your online school student to engage in “wiggle breaks” where they move their body from side to side to release bursts of energy, which will help them focus better.
Incorporate “Brain Busters.”
Brain busters, also known as brain teasers, help students build problem-solving skills and enhance their learning abilities. As your student adjusts to the online learning environment, this activity can help keep them engaged and on their toes.
If your student is learning about math, at the start of the day, you could present them with a challenging math problem that they must solve before beginning class. You could also create bonus questions that align with their lessons to encourage consistent practice.
Collaborate with Instructors to Create an Engaging Curriculum.
Helping your kindergartner succeed in online school is easier than you think. As a parent, you know what your child’s needs are, what excites them, and what challenges them. And, as their Learning Coach, you are right by their side to help them become the best you know they can be.
By partnering with our teachers and staff, you can assist with customizing your student’s curriculum. If, while monitoring your online school student, you realize that they perform better with more visuals, you can contact their instructor to suggest that be incorporated. Additionally, if you notice they are struggling with a concept, you can orchestrate one-on-one tutoring for your kindergarten student.
Prioritize Fun Activities.
Every school-aged student can benefit from some fun, especially at the kindergarten level where play is important. Incorporate playground visits where your student can stretch their legs and strengthen their academic skills. As they’re running around, ask them how many swings they see. Or, inquire about the different shapes on the playground. No matter what question you ask, they’ll be having fun and learning at the same time.
You can also incorporate art projects into your student’s day. Art projects help students flex their creativity while learning about risk-taking, and even critical thinking. Through these activities, your children are being challenged to learn without any pressure.
Reimagine the Learning Space.
A great way to help your child excel is by reimagining the learning space. Because your kindergartner is learning at home, you can make any setting a classroom. For example, you could opt to have class in the backyard once a week. This way, your child is encouraged to learn through real-world settings that can easily translate into coursework. You could also take them on field trips where they discover the world around them through zoo visits, museum tours, and park journeys—helping them learn, grow, and explore.
At this age, everything around your kindergartner is fun, new, and exciting. Online school is a great way to help them excel. You can learn more about online kindergarten at Connections Academy by visiting our enrollment page.
And, if you still have questions about virtual school, take this two-minute quiz to determine if it is the right fit for your child.
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