Tips for Establishing Online Learning Routines

November 19, 2025 byPhoebe Brown

5 min to read

A father is researching best practices with online learning routines with his son

Balancing a flexible schedule with a daily routine that also supports academic achievement doesn’t have to feel like a hit-or-miss task. There are tips for establishing online learning routines for students that can make meeting academic requirements in a flexible, individualized at-home learning environment simple.

Why Online Learning Routines Matter for Kids

Children are more likely to thrive in school when they follow a regular, predictable schedule. While many virtual school programs allow students and their families to learn whenever they like throughout the day, establishing online learning routines can allow students to enjoy the flexibility without the risk of falling behind or becoming overwhelmed.

Online learning routines often include:

Establishing expectations for what should be accomplished each day

Sticking to a regular start and stop time for lessons, breaks, and studying

Holding students accountable for what tasks they complete

When families talk with their virtual school student about establishing online learning routines, they may want to discuss the value of routine with them, such as:

Knowing exactly how much time each task will take

Building important life skills, including time-management, goal setting, and meeting deadlines

Focusing on one task at a time

Once the parent or Learning Coach and their student are on the same page, they can try these tips to organize effective online learning routines.

Essential Tips for Creating Effective Online Learning Routines

Developing effective online learning routines can be vital to helping students achieve their full academic potential in virtual school.

1. Start with a Collaborative Planning Session

When organizing effective remote learning routines, experts suggest beginning with having a conversation with the student to come up with the daily school schedule together. When students are part of that discussion, they are more likely to take ownership of their academic success.

2. Customize Their Schedule to the Child's Peak Learning Times

For kids whose energy levels are highest right after they get up, families should focus their student’s morning time on online learning and completing more difficult tasks. Later in the day, schedule play and exercise.

For kids who are morning people and prefer attending online school later in the day, families can work with their student to decide what time of day or evening they have the most energy and focus their online school learning activities during that time. Whatever families choose, the key is to communicate the plan to the student and stay consistent.

3. Create a Dedicated Learning Space

A student’s at-home learning environment is where the schedule meets the work. A consistent place for the student to learn is an important part of developing an online learning routine, as it gives students a familiar place to return to each day. An appealing, student-centric space can also create a positive attitude, stoke enthusiasm, and minimize distractions for kids learning at home.

A well-designed space may include:

A place to organize school materials, like notebooks, papers, pens, headphones, and electronic devices

A comfortable chair with a desk or table

Good lighting

4. Incorporate the Student's Interests

Students are more likely to follow a learning routine when their schedule blends their academic requirements with their own interests. One of the benefits of online learning is the ability for families to play a larger part in their student’s education. While each lesson in public online school follows a state-approved curriculum, families can integrate supplemental learning material that relates the topic to something the student enjoys doing or learning about.

For example, students interested in STEM could find books about important scientific discoveries to practice reading or to complete a research paper for history. Or students who love playing sports could use time playing or watching sports as a reward throughout the day after they complete tasks. Including their own interests in their remote learning routines helps students feel motivated and reinforces that their interests are important.

5. Schedule Extracurricular Activities

Effective online learning routines aren’t completely focused on academics; it’s important to also schedule time for extracurricular activities to help create a well-rounded education. Pursuing outside interests, volunteering, participating in sports or music, or working part-time at an internship can provide a healthy break from a schedule filled up with classes, homework, and test prep.

Scheduling extracurricular activities around your student’s school day can also help build social skills, teamwork, a healthy work ethic and instill the importance of community involvement.

Getting Started with an Online Learning Routine

Use a paper calendar, a dry-erase board, or a digital scheduling tool to write out the student’s daily tasks, including start and stop times, breaks, and extracurricular activities.

Make the schedule accessible but not easily editable. While schedules can change or adapt over time, families should try to stick to their student’s learning routine as closely as possible to build the habit for their student as well as create structure week-to-week.

Hold the student accountable to the schedule. Younger students may need more guidance than older students, but families should make sure their student is following their online learning routine closely to ensure they are achieving everything they should during the day while not rushing, procrastinating, or finding themselves burned out by the end of the semester.

For families at the beginning of their online learning routine journey, getting started can be as simple as creating a pen-and-paper schedule posted on the fridge or in the student’s learning space. The key is to make sure both the student and their Learning Coach know what the priorities are for the day and stick to it.

A student doing her online school routine.

Online Learning Routines Simplified

Working out an effective remote learning routine that is simultaneously flexible and rigorous takes thoughtful effort. Visit the Resource Hub for more articles to learn how to get started in online public school, join a virtual event for inspiration, or request a complimentary Connections Academy® eGuide to see if virtual learning is the right fit for your family.