Establishing a structured daily routine for online schooling is paramount for children aged 7 to 13. During these formative years, a structured approach to learning not only enhances their focus and concentration but also fosters a sense of responsibility and time management. Moreover, a routine provides a sense of security and predictability, reducing anxiety and stress related to studies, and helps in balancing academic obligations with other activities, contributing to a well-rounded development. At Cambridge Home School Online, we understand the significance of this, aligning our approach with our core values to foster not just academic excellence but also personal growth and resilience.
Why we believe routine is necessary at Cambridge Online Home School
- Structure and Discipline: A routine provides structure in an environment where traditional school boundaries are absent. It helps students maintain discipline, ensuring that they dedicate specific time for learning, assignments, and revisions. It is paramount that our students take responsibility for their learning, which is why it is one of our core values.
- Time Management: With the autonomy that comes with online schooling, a routine assists students in managing their time effectively. It ensures that they balance academic tasks with other activities, preventing procrastination and last-minute rushes.
- Enhanced Focus and Productivity: A consistent routine minimises distractions, which are more prevalent in a home setting. It helps students concentrate better, leading to more productive study sessions. Plus, it allows them to work hard to achieve – also known as et laborare consequi, which is our motto.
- Reduced Overwhelm and Stress: Online schooling can be overwhelming due to the abundance of digital content and self-directed learning. A routine helps in breaking down tasks into manageable parts, reducing stress and anxiety. Managing stress also ensures pupils can respond constructively to criticism, and embrace failure as part of their journey to success.
- Consistent Progress Monitoring: Regular study intervals make it easier to track and evaluate progress, allowing for timely adjustments in learning strategies or schedules if needed.
- Balanced Lifestyle: A well-planned routine ensures that students have time for relaxation, hobbies, and physical activities, which are vital for their overall well-being and mental health. It also promotes the idea of community, as we offer these benefits as part of our extra-curricular clubs.
In essence, a routine in online schooling acts as a guiding framework, helping students navigate the flexibility of digital learning while maintaining productivity, discipline, and a balanced lifestyle. It also enforces our core values, which in turn allow our students to achieve through their hard work.
The Benefits You Can Expect
Adhering to the well-crafted routine for online school students aged 7-13 offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Regular study times help in establishing a habit of concentration, making it easier for children to focus during learning sessions.
- Improved Time Management Skills: By following a routine, children learn to manage their time effectively, balancing academic tasks with other activities, which is a valuable life skill.
- Consistent Academic Progress: A structured routine ensures that students regularly engage with their academic material, leading to steady educational development.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Knowing what to expect each day provides a sense of security and predictability, which can reduce anxiety related to schooling and performance.
- Better Physical Health: Incorporating physical activity and regular meal times promotes a healthy lifestyle, crucial for physical development and well-being.
- Enhanced Social Skills: Allocating time for social interactions, even virtually, aids in developing communication and interpersonal skills.
- Improved Sleep Patterns: A consistent routine, especially with a fixed wake-up and bedtime, helps regulate sleep patterns, which is vital for growth and cognitive functioning.
- Development of Self-Discipline: Following a routine requires discipline, a trait that will benefit students throughout their education and into adulthood.
- Balanced Lifestyle: By clearly demarcating study time and free time, the routine ensures that students have opportunities for relaxation and pursuing hobbies, contributing to a well-rounded lifestyle.
- Increased Independence and Responsibility: As children adhere to a routine, they learn to take responsibility for their own time and tasks, fostering independence and self-reliance.
How we help create the perfect routine
We now know why routine is important, and the benefits it can have, but how do you create the most beneficial routine? Here at Cambridge Online Home School, we help families create the perfect routine. We do this by centring the school day around an optimised timetable, which ensures our pupils are put first. Below is an example of the routine we can offer – although all Pupils will have their own personalised School timetable :
7:00 AM – Wake Up: Start the day with a healthy breakfast and some light stretching or a quick walk to energise the body.
8:00 AM – Morning Study Session: Begin with the most challenging subjects when the mind is fresh. Include short, focused study periods with breaks to maintain concentration.
10:00 AM – Break and Snack Time: A short break for a healthy snack and a bit of free time to relax.
10:30 AM – Second Study Session: Continue with other subjects, perhaps focusing on assignments or projects.
12:00 PM – Lunch and Rest: A well-deserved break for lunch and some downtime. This could include a short nap, reading, or just relaxing.
1:00 PM – Physical Activity: Engage in some form of physical exercise – it could be a sport, a dance class, yoga, or just playing outside.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Study Session: A good time for lighter subjects or creative activities like art, music, or practical science projects.
3:30 PM – Break and Snack: Time for a healthy snack and a short break.
4:00 PM – Homework/Revision: Complete any homework or revise what was learned during the day.
5:00 PM – Free Time/Extra-curricular Activities: Engage in hobbies, extra-curricular classes, or just free play.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Family Time: A family dinner followed by some quality time with family members.
7:30 PM – Wind Down: Start winding down with calmer activities, like reading or listening to music.
8:30 PM – Bedtime Routine: Prepare for bed; this might include a bath and a bedtime story for younger kids.
9:00 PM – Lights Out: Ensure enough sleep, which is crucial for their age.
This routine balances online learning with physical activity, creative pursuits, and sufficient rest, contributing to a well-rounded day. It’s important to adjust this schedule based on the child’s specific needs, interests, and online school requirements.