Make Online Learning Work for You at Connections Academy

October 16, 2023 byConnections Academy

5 min to read

A parent holding one child in her lap and helping her other child with online school

Traditional, in-person school doesn’t work for every kind of student. If that’s the case for your child, you’ve likely considered online school as an alternative. However, choosing an online school and ensuring your child thrives online are two different steps.

To make the most of online school, you need to prepare your child, yourself, and your home for online learning. At Connections Academy®, we have more than 20 years of experience providing online learning to families just like yours. Based on our expertise, here are some tips for success in online school.

Make the School Schedule Fit Into Your Day

Flexibility is one of the key benefits of a high-quality online school like Connections Academy®. Rather than being locked into a set daily schedule with strict class times and recess/pass periods, your child can arrange their day in whatever way works best for them and your family.

When taking online classes, students often have the choice of when in the day they focus on a specific class and how much time they devote to it. This allows them to complete work on a timeline that fits their learning preference and spend more time on subjects that challenge them the most.

This flexibility also gives students the opportunity to pursue other passions. They can make time to practice an instrument, participate in sports, create art, spend time with family, and so much more. Plus, online classes help students make more time for breaks, which can help your child learn and succeed.

However you want to arrange the school day, you’ll appreciate the flexibility a Connections Academy®-supported school provides. There are so many opportunities for individualization that no two schedules for online school need to look the same.

Create a Kid-Friendly Learning Space

When preparing for online learning, you will likely want to do everything you can to set your student up for success. This includes creating a learning space where they can focus while also feeling at ease.

Research has found that a student’s physical learning space affects their overall mental well-being, even when learning at home. Though some children might thrive while learning at the kitchen table, many will do better in a more intentional learning space. When creating that space, we suggest families should:

Choose a quiet place that is free from the usual distractions of a home.

Make sure the space is easy for you to reach so you can help out as their Learning Coach when needed.

Fill the space with school supplies and any books your child may need for learning.

Include personal touches like your child’s favorite books or posters to give them a sense of ownership of the space.

Post your child’s daily schedule including agreed-upon class times, lunch, breaks, and any Live Lessons they need to attend that day.

Just remember: the learning space is about helping your child learn their best. Keep that at the forefront of your mind and you’re sure to create a space together that will work well.

Make Sure Physical Activity Is Part of Their Week

You don’t need to have a gymnasium at home for your student to enjoy P.E. in online school. In fact, making sure your child stays active is important to their overall health. Sixty minutes of moderate or vigorous activity a day helps children grow up strong and it has been shown to improve their mental health.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways your child can experience P.E. while learning at home. The key is to have them do something they enjoy. That can include sports, yoga, martial arts, swimming, outdoor games, and so much more.

Teach Self-Care and Coping Skills

Your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing is vital to their ability to succeed in any type of school, online school included. With more than 40% of today’s parents being extremely or very worried about their kids’ mental health and many experts saying our nation’s children are in a mental health crisis, it’s never too soon to help your child learn how to overcome negative thoughts and feelings.

One of the best ways to prepare your child for the challenges ahead is to teach them self-care and coping skills. This can include talks about the importance of acknowledging their emotions and taking breaks when they need to, but it can also include simple, daily steps. You can encourage your child to:

Keep a gratitude journal where they record the daily things they’re thankful for and/or make them happy.

Practice positive self-talk where they make a conscious effort to encourage themselves and think good thoughts about themselves and their efforts in school and elsewhere.

Eat healthy, regular meals so they can maintain their energy and physical wellness.

Exercise daily, which can help them be less anxious and more healthy overall.

Get regular sleep, which can help them avoid exhaustion and maintain a good mood.

Use the Resources of Your Online School

When your child attends a high-quality online school like Connections Academy®, you will never be on your own. That’s because Connections Academy® provides plenty of resources to help your child succeed in school and help you succeed as their Learning Coach.

For example, if your child is struggling with a specific subject, we’re right here to help. In fact, one of the best tips for online classes is reaching out to the teacher whenever you need. All our teachers are specially trained in online learning and are available to provide one-on-one help with specific projects or subject matters.

Connections Academy also has counselors and staff members who can help you and your child with issues ranging from mental health to college admissions. Plus, as a Learning Coach, you’ll receive an in-depth orientation along with access to an extensive number of resources and a parent network.

For many students, online school can be just what they need to thrive in their education and life ahead. To learn more about the way online school works, check out our article on the differences between online school and traditional, in-person school.