The Role of Parents in Online School
“I have watched the light come back into my kids’ eyes in the last month; their love for learning is coming back. I am convinced online school is the answer to many of the problems with typical schooling.”
Take it from BlueSky parents and students: online school can be a valuable alternative for students struggling with the structure and expectations of traditional school. From the flexible schedule to the personalized teaching approach, there are many benefits to attending school online. In Minnesota, the value of virtual education is no secret, as the number of online schools has more than doubled in the past 10 years and continues to grow.
Though what’s seldom discussed is the role that parents play in online school: how do you support your student without becoming overly involved? We’ve guided many parents through this question and have come up with five tips to help you establish a well-defined, supportive role in your student’s online education.
1. Give Support Without Micromanaging
Online school offers the flexibility that a brick-and-mortar school never could. At BlueSky Online, students have the choice between a fixed and flex schedule, allowing them to work at a pace that’s comfortable for them while still meeting the requirements and timelines for an on-time graduation.
If your student chooses a My Pace schedule, they’ll pursue courses that allow them to spend the majority of their time working independently and choose when their school day begins and ends. As a BlueSky parent, it’s your job to embrace these non-traditional structures, checking in on their progress and encouraging them to form a healthy work ethic without looking over their shoulder at every moment.
Encourage your student to take breaks when they want, while supporting them through making a daily schedule or organization method to ensure they complete their classwork and assignments. Keep track of tasks and goals by writing them down, and utilize tools like Google Calendar to assist your student in effective time management.
2. Stay Informed About Their Classes
Another way to support your online schooler is to know everything you can about their school day. One of the great things about a school like BlueSky is its wide breadth of subjects—from traditional curricula like algebra and social studies to niche electives like entrepreneurship and music production. With online school, there are ample opportunities to create a schedule that balances requirements with curiosities.
When students enroll at BlueSky, we take the time to learn about them and create a customized schedule that plays to their strengths. Knowing the progression of their day lets you provide encouragement when they need it most, ask pertinent questions, and show interest in what they’re learning, without diving in too deep and taking on a teaching role (that’s our job!)
3. Create A Designated Learning Space
There’s no question that at-home learning is more comfortable. Creature comforts are just a few steps away, and many of the social anxieties that students might face at school, like bullying and public speaking, are non-existent at home. However, a learning environment that’s too comfortable can lead to a lack of focus and a struggle to find the motivation to get through the day.
It’s crucial to establish a quiet study space, have technological and academic resources available (like our BlueSky Helpdesk), and ensure the learning space is easily accessible and away from distractions.
A tip from BlueSky: Before starting the school year, make a run to the store to get fresh classroom materials (new notebooks, fun writing utensils, a nice pair of headphones, etc.) and brighten up their space with some houseplants and artwork.
4. Remember They’re Not Alone
When students go to school online, it can appear like they’re doing it alone, but know that couldn’t be further from the truth at BlueSky. We offer each and every student a team of support, including an advisor, counselor, and teacher.
We provide this kind of support because we don’t want parents to take on too much responsibility. Instead, we encourage a collaborative role, coming up with questions for your student to ask their instructor the next time they’re in class or encouraging them to contact our support team whenever they need help.
BlueSky students have frequent communication with their instructors via phone, email, and text. And as a parent, you’ll receive frequent updates from your student’s teachers, have access to our parent portal, and can contact our staff anytime for an update on your student’s progress and achievements.
5. Our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Approach
BlueSky is committed to a learning environment that is well-rounded, inclusive, and compassionate, in other words, an SEL approach.
We understand that the social aspect of school is paramount. Sometimes, online school can lead to students feeling socially isolated, and though we’ve seen many students defy this notion, it’s an important thing to consider. Outside of the classroom, there are many opportunities for students to socialize with their peers, including BlueSky Esports, social clubs, and field trips. Having social outlets like this gives students the chance to pursue and grow in non-academic areas, but with more control over their participation.
Why Parents Choose BlueSky Online
Since opening as the first Minnesota-based online charter school in 2000, we’ve learned that a student’s success has a lot to do with the support they’re given, in and outside of the classroom. At BlueSky, we believe that every student is unique and requires a personalized approach. In that same vein, we know that every parent will have a different experience with their student, needing support and answers to a variety of questions; we’re here to answer those questions, give advice, and help you select the best program for your student.
This list of tips comes from 20+ years of experience and finding the best ways to support our BlueSky students and parents. If your student is thinking about enrolling in an online school, consider BlueSky! Contact us today and ask about enrollment for the upcoming school year.
