Want to Start Schooling From Home?
Many high school students are beginning to question the idea of staying in a traditional classroom setting. The idea of being at home, potentially with friends and family, is more appealing than sitting in a stuffy classroom all day long. If you’re considering schooling from home, here are four tips for getting started:
1) Figure out what your goals are- why do you want to begin pursuing your high school program at home?
2) Find resources that will help you achieve these goals
3) Be organized! Utilize your time wisely by having a set schedule and sticking to it as best as possible. And make sure to stay on task!
4) Seek guidance when needed or desired
What Are Your Goals? Why Do You Want to Begin Schooling From Home?
The first step to beginning a high school curriculum from home is figuring out what your goals are. What do you hope to achieve by going this route?
Goal #1: Save Money
If one of your goals is to save money, you may be able to do so by schooling from home. This has the potential to cut costs in both tuition and transportation fees.
Goal 2: Be More Flexible with Your Schedule
You might also want a more flexible schedule if school becomes too time-consuming for you, or you don’t have enough time in your day. Schooling at home can allow for a more flexible schedule, working around other commitments like work or schooling from another location
Goal 3: Mix it Up
Another goal that may be worth considering is to mix things up! Perhaps going back and forth between schooling on site, schooling from home, dual enrollment, or schooling from a mix of locations.
Goal #4: Keep Up with Your Friends and Family
If you’re most interested in continuing to see your friends and family while schooling at home, this is an important goal to consider! Schooling from home allows for time spent outside the classroom- whether it be socializing or working on other projects.
Identify Resources that Will Help You Successfully School at Home
In order to achieve these goals, it’s important to find resources that will help you. For example, if you live in an area with a small schooling community or lack of support for schooling from home residents, there are still ways for you to receive the necessary guidance and mentoring
Find Support Groups Near You
One way is by attending forums or support groups in your area. This can help you stay accountable for schooling at home and find resources that are specific to your needs. In some cases, local school districts operate “homeschool assistance programs” that are open to full-time online school students and homeschool students.
Find Mentors Near You
Another way is by finding mentors near you- whether it be a teacher, tutor, friend, family member-, who will provide guidance as you go through schooling from home. It’s important not only to have someone providing advice but also to remain accountable for the tasks necessary.
Find Resources Online
There are many online resources available too! Websites like “Home Schooling” offer information on how others have successfully schooled from away from traditional classrooms while achieving their goals. There is even an App called “Homeschool Planet,” which offers daily education plans with assignments tailored specifically to your needs.
Be Organized!
Once you’ve found the resources that will help you, it’s important to start following your routine.
Utilize Your Time Wisely by Having a Set Schedule and Sticking to It as Best as Possible
It’s important for students schooling at home not to get distracted too often with unimportant tasks (particularly social media). This could lead them astray in their studies which could have consequences down the road so it’s key that they stay focused
Set a Schedule and Stick to It
In order to stay on task and be productive with schooling from home, it might be helpful for students to keep a set schedule (whether or not there are deadlines). One way is by utilizing an online calendar so you can view all of your tasks at once.
Seek Guidance When You Need Some Extra Help
There will be times when you need to take some time out of the day to focus on more difficult material. A great way is by seeking guidance from parents, teachers or mentors who can help.
Work On What You’re Good At First and Save The Tough Stuff For Later
Some types of courses might require more work than what others do. So instead of trying to challenge yourself and take on a heavy workload, it might be better to focus on what you’re good at first before getting into the more difficult sections of schooling
Ask for Assistance from Teachers and Counselors
Some times it’s not so easy to find the help that you need. And sometimes, the course material is too challenging for your current grade level. If you’re struggling with a course, don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers or guidance counselors. They are there to provide the assistance that you need when it comes to schooling at home.
Get Excited about Your Education!
It might be difficult to get excited at first, but schooling from home is a great way for students to have access to what they want as well as the tools and resources that will help them achieve their goals. It’s important to find support systems near you so you can continue schooling while maintaining your balance
Keep in mind that schooling from home is not for every student and parents should consider what their goals are when considering this route. In order to avoid distractions, you’ll want to be organized! If school-related tasks seem like a lot of work or if the idea of schooling at home just seems overwhelming, it might be better off going to a traditional schooling environment.
