How to Support Your Online Learner

With the plans for school hanging in the air for many districts, parents and families are getting nervous about how to plan for the school year. In MN, it depends on your county to make decisions, but all over the country schools are scrambling to meet new guidelines.

Many families are turning to online schools for peace-of-mind and consistency for their child this year. BlueSky is an excellent alternative to a traditional school, but there are many online schools offering great options for students. We want those families who are turning to online learning to have the tools they need to support their students. 

We’ve been doing this a long time, so you can trust us when we say we know how to navigate this well. Read on for our tips for helping your student with online learning this year. 

Communicate Often 

Communication is key. Give your students space and the trust that they need to feel confident with online learning, but keep communication open and assure them that you’re there when they need your help or support. It’s not uncommon for students to feel anxious about a new learning environment, help them reduce stress by being open to receiving feedback about their learning experience. 

Trust Your Students’ Educators 

We understand that it can be difficult to fully trust a new administration, especially if you weren’t expecting to be working in a new environment. However, it is vital that you are confident and trusting in your students’ educators. Our BlueSky team is here to be of help to you and your students. 

Our main goal is to be a part of your students’ success. We offer many opportunities to connect with teachers and staff, so we encourage you to communicate with us to create a relationship that will lead to confidence and trust in our team.  

Be Flexible 

The original idea behind online school was to allow students to be flexible with their schooling. Now, however, online school is providing students with more structure than traditional schooling because we are not having to turn to emergency remote learning. Even with this structure, it’s important for families to stay flexible. BlueSky teachers and counselors will remind students of due dates and homework assignments so that parents and guardians can focus on supporting students and allow for as much flexibility as possible. Remember that your student is adjusting as well, so leniency and understanding go a long way. 

Stay Organized 

Being flexible and staying organized can surprisingly go hand in hand. Allow your student to take breaks as much as they need them, but encourage them to create a schedule or some kind of way of organizing their day so they are able to get class and work done. Write down assignments and expectations and use visuals like a calendar to help your student manage their time well. 

We hope that the upcoming year is a positive one for your family and especially for your student! If you are curious about online school in Minnesota, we are happy to help out with any questions you have! Learn about our enrollment process here.