If you recently started homeschool, congratulations! Making the switch from conventional to online schooling isn’t easy for most parents and students. They feel hesitant about switching from the only schooling model they’ve ever known: conventional learning.
In 2022, however, online learning is rapidly gaining traction for its efficacy. Students who attend some of the most prestigious online schools secure top grades and enjoy a healthy school-life balance.
As a first-time homeschooler, make sure you start building three critical soft skills: time management, responsibility, and organisation. In this blog, we’ll focus on the first skill. Our education specialists will talk you through three steps to manage your time exceptionally well as you attend homeschool. Let’s get started.
1. Plan Ahead
Successful homeschooling is contingent on excellent planning. If you’re not too fond of planning, you’ll have to develop this skill. Planning ahead goes a long way in helping students keep their studies, extracurricular life, social life, and personal life on track. We recommend downloading an academic planning app on your phone. Sync it across your tablet, laptop, and computer to ensure easy, quick access.
Start planning! Lay out your schedule in advance. We recommend planning at least a week in advance. Of course, you’ll make changes along the way. However, planning ahead will help you get a nice foundation and add some basic structure to your day. This is a great way to avoid wasting time and procrastinating. You’re less likely to veer off track when you have a set of tasks lined up for the day.
Most apps have an accountability feature. This lets you check off chores for the day. If there are delays or you can’t check off certain tasks, your streak will be affected. Setting up a schedule is half the battle. Sticking to it is the real legwork! You may struggle in the first few days. During this period, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers.
At Cambridge Home School Online, we have a team of MA/MSc/PhD qualified subject specialist teachers on board. As you reach out to your teachers, you’ll get the guidance, support, and insight you need to follow your schedule more closely and avoid setbacks. Remember, help is right around the corner. As long as you ask for it, it will be provided. Make the most of it!
2. Minimise Distractions in Your Space
It’s 2022. We’re bombarded with one distraction after the other: social media, online games, advertisements, etc. The list goes on. As an online student, make sure you take control and reduce as many distractions as possible. This isn’t easy. However, it’s definitely doable. Start with physical distractions.
If you attend online classes in your bedroom, make sure your space doesn’t include any distractions you’d feel compelled to reach for mid-lesson. The best approach is to set up your study station elsewhere.
We recommend setting up a study room. You can control what goes in this room, which is slightly tricky to achieve when you attend online school in your bedroom. You can’t possibly get rid of every distraction from your bedroom. However, your study space should be focused and minimal for the most part.
Make sure there are no gadgets, games, or non-academic books in sight (novels, etc.). Your study space should only include school-related items (books, stationery, essentials for in-class activities, etc.). As you reduce distractions, you’ll notice an increase in your overall focus and productivity levels.
3. Switch to a Reputable Online School
Time management is a difficult skill to master on your own, especially if you’re a young student. At Cambridge Home School Online, our teachers plan time management activities to help students hone their skills. Switching to a reputable online school is a great way to get help with a skill that you’re struggling to develop independently.
As one of the top online schools in the UK, we offer four homeschooling programs: Primary Prep/Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 10), Lower School/Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 13), Upper School/IGCSEs (ages 14 to 16), and Sixth Form/AS & A-Levels (ages 17 to 19).
Established in 2002, we have over 20 years of experience providing a quality online schooling experience to pupils living in the UK, Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. At CHS Online, we use an independent, interdisciplinary, and well-rounded curriculum. Compared to the national curriculum, our homeschooling curriculum covers greater academic breadth and depth. As a result, our students secure top grades.
Our track record confirms the impressive academic success of our students. In June 2021, 86% of our IGCSE students secured A*s and As in their target subjects. 83% of our A Level students secured two As and a B or higher, as requested by top universities. Moreover, all students who applied received offers from some of the best universities globally.
We also provide our students with access to a vast online library of educational resources like videos, presentations, catch-up lessons, study guides, worksheets, activities, and more. Each student receives one-on-one success coaching and pastoral support from our school counsellors.
Keeping the classroom size low (8–10 students per group) ensures that every pupil receives individualised attention from their teachers. This boosts class engagement, participation, knowledge absorption and retention, and performance.
If you’re ready to start making the switch, explore the following links:
- Admissions Process
- Term Dates
- Application Form
- Scholarships & Bursaries
- Grades & Fees
- Online Reviews
We also provide online academic booster classes to help students gain knowledge, develop new skills, and become more confident, capable learners. We offer some of the best online school UK. Our teachers are equipped to offer A Level Math home study, IGCSE Chemistry online classes, primary school online learning, secondary school online study, and a range of other programs/classes. It’s time to start securing a better, brighter future. Let’s get started!
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FAQ
What are the key soft skills for successful homeschooling?
The three critical soft skills for effective homeschooling are time management, responsibility, and organisation. These skills are especially important for first-time homeschoolers to cultivate.
How can planning ahead benefit my homeschooling experience?
Planning in advance is pivotal to managing studies, extracurricular activities, and personal life efficiently. Utilising academic planning apps that can sync across devices can help in keeping track of tasks and avoiding procrastination.
How do I minimise distractions during online classes?
To minimise distractions, it’s recommended to set up a dedicated study room free from gadgets, games, and non-academic books. Keeping your study space focused and minimal enhances your overall productivity levels.
What are the benefits of enrolling in a reputable online school like Cambridge Home School Online?
A reputable online school offers well-structured curriculums, access to qualified teachers, and additional resources such as an extensive online library. These schools also often have a proven track record of academic success, helping students secure top grades.
What kind of support can I expect from the teachers at Cambridge Home School Online?
The teachers at Cambridge Home School Online are MA/MSc/PhD qualified and offer individualised attention to each student. They are trained to provide guidance, support, and insights to help you better manage your time and improve your academic performance.