At Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA), students in grades 4-12 receive a career-focused, tuition-free online education designed to help them explore future opportunities. CODCA combines traditional academics with hands-on career readiness programs, preparing students to graduate with industry skills and certifications.
With more students enrolling in online education options, here are some helpful tips for families based on insight from an online educator.
Set Up Learning Spaces at Home
When learning from home, it is important to create a space to “go” to school. This space will be different for every student, but it helps them make the shift to the school day and be more prepared to learn.
- Choose a location that minimizes distractions.
- Often the sources of distraction are other electronics like TVs and phones. Finding ways to minimize these types of distractions can be critical for student focus.
- If the location is noisy or your student is distracted by noise, headphones, noise machines, or even soft music might be helpful to minimize distractions.
- Utilize a desk or table with a comfortable chair.
- Set up an organizational system for the area. This might include drawers or baskets to organize supplies.
Balancing Home Study Schedules
One of the largest struggles for students learning at home is creating a schedule. A daily schedule will help to create a balance and division between the school day and home time.
- Be sure there is a clear understanding of the school schedule and virtual class expectations.
- Build in time for breaks, snacks, and other needs specific to your student. Designate an end time to the school day, so there is a clear transition to at-home time.
- Write the schedule out and make it a visual reminder.
- It might be helpful to post the schedule somewhere the student and family can refer to it regularly.
- For some students, it will be helpful to create an at-home “bell” system using alarms or online tools to provide reminders and cues when it is time to go to a class or transition tasks.
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Connect With Peers Through Social Activities and Outings
Staying connected to peers when learning virtually might look a little different, but is just as important in an online school.
- Be sure to watch your school’s schedule and announcements to keep up with the social opportunities. At Destinations, we have both in-person and virtual opportunities to socialize.
- Virtual opportunities include clubs, career organizations, in-class time, virtual social events, and a virtual interactive space where students can hang out with other students in places like the art space or a game room.
- In-person opportunities include social events, field trips, career organization events, and conferences.
Mental Health and Sleep Hygiene
As students transition from summer back to school, whether it is online school or brick and mortar, it is important to keep healthy habits in mind.
- Self-care and healthy habits include creating a daily routine that supports the whole child.
- Create a routine that includes healthy bedtimes and a quality sleep schedule.
- Include time for things that recharge your student. Sports, art, crafts, music, and other interests can all be positive parts of your student’s routine.
- Many students struggle to ask for help. Helping your student to develop self-advocacy skills is empowering.
