When making the switch to online schooling for their children, parents are often a little apprehensive. They worry about whether their children will acclimatise to the transition. They also have concerns about whether their own work-life balance will stay on track.
These reservations are understandable. As a parent, make sure you do your research before proceeding with this transition. Using the right approach will make this switch easier, stress-free, and streamlined.
In this blog, we’ll help you prepare for the transition to online homeschooling. Are there certain measures you need to take beforehand? How should you go about them? And which mistakes should you steer clear of? Keep reading; we’re covering all the bases.
1. There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Research!
The conventional to online schooling transition shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is a big decision. As a parent, invest time, energy, and effort into finalising things. There’s no such thing as too much research.
We recommend taking some time to understand how online learning will benefit your child. Which online schooling features should you look for in an institution? Moreover, how will this transition affect you as a parent?
Many parents make the mistake of doing minimal research and diving head first into this transition. Avoid making this mistake. Prepare yourself and gain more insight into the switch. This will help you choose the right institution and begin this journey on a good note.
Use this checklist during the research process:
- What are the benefits of switching to online learning?
Flexibility, safety, convenience, the low student-teacher ratio in classes, individualised attention from teachers, etc.
- Which online school is right for my children?
Prioritise experience and faculty expertise. The institution should have at least 15 years of experience and a qualified, experienced, skilled, trained, and empathetic faculty. They should also use an independent, well-rounded, and interdisciplinary curriculum. Additionally, they must equip students with top-notch resources and tools.
- Can I resume work/chores while my child attends online school?
The answer to this question is imperative. Choose an online school that completely takes the reins so you, as a parent, don’t have to intervene continually. You should be able to resume work/chores without being required to check in on your child and disrupt your workflow. Many institutions don’t offer parental leeway, so dig deeper and find one that checks off this box.
2. Create Two Schedules: One for Your Child and One for Yourself
As you switch to online schooling, you should have scheduling down to a tee: both for your child and yourself. Start by creating a balanced schedule for your child. Once their online classes end for the day, they should enjoy a handful of activities that promote personal and social growth.
Allocate some time for sports, skill-building, extracurricular activities, hobbies, excursions, socialisation with friends, and so on. This will help your child have an active learning experience following their classes.
Similarly, set up a schedule for yourself. Break your day into slots. Fit work and leisure into these slots. Your day should already be planned out in advance so you don’t feel rushed and panicked every day.
A streamlined schedule will help you breeze through work, run errands, catch up with friends/family, spend quality time with your children, help them with homework/revision, take some time out for yourself, and so on.
The online schooling transition becomes very simple and manageable when everything is seamlessly and skilfully planned out in advance. Check this box off the list, and the first few weeks will become much easier.
3. Speak with the Teachers Beforehand
At Cambridge Home School Online, we help parents prepare for the transition to online schooling. Our teachers will walk you through what you should expect. They’ll also discuss common mistakes parents often make during the first few months of the switch. As you get a glimpse of how the first few weeks will pan out, you can prepare accordingly.
We also recommend reaching out to other parents who have already switched to the online homeschooling model. The longer it has been, the better! They’ll offer excellent guidance and share individualised tips based on their unique experiences.
If you still feel unprepared, online forums are an excellent resource. Reddit’s homeschooling community covers everything: resources, curricular guidance, homeschooling support, and more. If you have any unique questions or concerns, create a thread and wait for answers to come pouring in. The community is very active, so you can rest assured that you’ll get the support you seek.
If you’re looking for other homeschooling parents in your specific town or neighbourhood, feel free to localise your post. You may be able to connect with other parents in close proximity.
This is a great option if you recently switched homes and want to find support in your new community. As you interact with other parents, you’ll understand how they navigate the switch in a way that’s effective and efficient for them.
Ready to make the switch to online schooling for your children? At Cambridge Home School Online, we proudly teach the Cambridge homeschool curriculum to students across the globe. As one of the most prestigious online British schools in the UK, Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, we’re trusted by thousands of parents.
Explore our four competitive 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).
For more information, explore the following resources:
- Admissions Process
- Term Dates
- Application Form
- Scholarships & Bursaries
- Grades & Fees
- Online Reviews
Whether you’re interested in high school online learning, secondary schools in the UK, or primary school programs, CHS Online is the right choice.
With 20+ years of experience, we’re committed to helping students excel. By providing quality homeschooling options for working parents, we help parents heave a big sigh of relief when it comes to their children’s education.
Whether you’re working from home, rushing to the office in the morning, or running errands all day, you can rest assured that your children will receive a quality Cambridge online education from home.
Thank you for trusting us; we look forward to giving your children the support, tools, and guidance they need to succeed.
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FAQ
What Should I Consider Before Transitioning to Online Schooling?
Before making the move to online education, it’s important for parents to do thorough research to make the process as smooth as possible. Look into how the transition will affect both your child’s academic experience and your own daily routine.
How Important is the Faculty’s Experience in Online Schooling?
When choosing an online school, consider the experience and qualifications of the faculty. Ideally, the institution should have a track record of at least 15 years and provide a well-rounded curriculum. Teachers should be qualified, skilled, and empathetic.
What Scheduling Approaches Are Recommended for Online Schooling?
As you move to online schooling, having a well-planned schedule for both your child and yourself is crucial. For your child, this schedule should include both academic commitments and time for personal growth, such as hobbies and social activities. Parents should also have their day planned out to manage work and family efficiently.
What Resources Can I Access for Support During the Transition?
Speaking with teachers and other parents who have already made the switch can provide valuable insights. Online forums like Reddit’s homeschooling community are also great platforms to seek advice and share concerns.
Does CHS Online Have Experience in Online Education?
Yes, Cambridge Home School Online has over 20 years of experience in the field and offers a range of homeschooling programmes tailored to various age groups. The institution is trusted by thousands of parents worldwide.