Supporting Online Sixth Grade Students
One of the most common concerns from middle school parents is whether their preteens can engage in online school.
We understand their hesitation. Sixth-grade students aren’t exactly known for their maturity. From puberty to peer pressure, a lot happens in their personal lives. Transitioning to remote work was even more difficult for most adults. Concentrating on the task at hand is difficult when surrounded by distractions, especially at home.
So, how do we engage our sixth graders and ensure their success online?
We consulted Amy Loney, one of our BlueSky sixth-grade teachers, for some insight.
Teacher Supervision
At BlueSky, our middle school students aren’t left to “figure it out.” Instead, they are online with their teachers during the school day. While they can’t quite do all their schoolwork on their own time, they can work from the comfort of their own home.
“What makes sixth grade stand out is that our sixth graders are online with their teachers daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This provides teacher support throughout the day.”
Many students come to BlueSky because they haven’t excelled in a physical school setting. We still provide students with constant supervision as they would have in person.
Engaging Schedule
Of course, listening to a teacher via Zoom for five hours a day can cause a student to lose interest pretty fast. Even if they must be online and on camera, the material won’t stick if the student isn’t interested.
“If a parent has concerns about whether their child can learn online, we set a schedule to keep them engaged. This includes exploratory math activities, inquiry-based science lessons, collaborative projects, virtual field trips, and daily social activities.”
Our BlueSky teachers are masters at their craft. As Minnesota’s first online charter school, our staff knows how to adapt. Teachers are always creating new, engaging lessons to keep students interested in learning. If something doesn’t work for one student, they can adapt to that specific student’s needs. Every student deserves to learn in a way that fits their needs.
Monthly Social Activities
While many of our students prefer their online environment, we host frequent events. It’s essential for our students to interact outside of the classroom.
“BlueSky’s activities committee organizes monthly events that allow students to socialize. Our middle school hosts two get-togethers as opportunities for students to socialize while learning beyond their regular lessons.”
These events allow students to foster relationships and, often, work together to solve problems.
Of course, not all students live within the Twin Cities area, so event attendance is optional. Occasionally, we plan regional activities and are always open to suggestions from students and parents. We also host online events that students can take part in.
Is online school the right fit?
Middle school is a transitional period in all aspects. Students are leaving one phase of childhood and entering another. Some need in-person interaction at this age, while others seek independence and control.
The truth is that every student is different and will thrive in different situations. Consider your student and their learning style. Do they thrive in independent environments, or do they need guidance?
Online schools, as do traditional middle schools, cater to each of these students. But, BlueSky provides a flexible schedule depending on each student’s needs.
“I would also recommend to parents that sixth grade is a good first step to see if online learning is a good fit. For most students, it’s a good fit. It’s not a good fit for another student, and that’s okay!”
Other schools have since followed our lead, but only we have built upon our reputation of being first. First online and first in innovating ways to help today’s students succeed. Contact us to learn more about our superior online education programs.