Welcome back to my channel. For today’s blog, I’m excited to share my top 10 tips for tackling online school. As many of you know, I’ve been in online school for a while now, and I wrapped up last year with online classes as well, so I’d like to think I’m a bit of a pro at this. Let’s dive into these tips, and stay tuned for some exciting giveaway details later in the post!
1. Treat Online School Like Real School
One of the most important things you can do to succeed in online school is to treat it just like you would a regular school day. This means waking up at a reasonable hour, getting dressed, and having a morning routine. Set your alarms the night before, and pack your bag even if it’s just for a short walk to the kitchen counter. Feeling organized and prepared will set a positive tone for your day.
Pro Tip: If you have a Zoom class at 10 AM, don’t wake up at 9:45. Aim for at least 8:30 to give yourself enough time to wake up, get ready, and have breakfast. Trust me, an early start can make your day much smoother and more productive.
2. Declutter and Organize Your Study Space
Having a clean and organized study space is crucial. Before the school year started, I decluttered my entire workspace and set up my desk with all the essentials. It’s important to have a dedicated spot for your schoolwork. This helps your brain associate that area with focus and productivity.
What to Do: Choose a spot that will be your study space and stick to it. Avoid doing homework in your bed, as this can make it harder to focus. Keep your desk clean and organized, and make sure all your devices are charged the night before.
3. Have a Dedicated Study Space
As I mentioned earlier, having a designated study space is essential. If you don’t have a desk, use a kitchen table or any other flat surface. You can use a clear bin or a caddy to store your school supplies, making it easy to move your study station if needed.
Set Up: Pick a spot and make it your own. This will help create a classroom-like setting and signal to your brain that it’s time to work. Having a consistent study spot can improve your focus and productivity.
4. Hold Yourself Accountable
We’re all big kids now, and it’s important to hold ourselves accountable. If you’re like me and tend to be forgetful, ask a family member to help keep you on track. Share your schedule with a parent or sibling and ask them to remind you of upcoming classes or assignments.
Tip: Give a copy of your schedule to a parent or sibling who can help remind you of important tasks. This way, you’ll have someone to keep you accountable and ensure you stay on top of your schoolwork.
5. Get Rid of Distractions
Online school comes with its fair share of distractions, from Netflix to social media. To stay focused, eliminate these distractions as much as possible. Turn off your phone or place it out of reach during study sessions.
Action Plan: If you find yourself constantly picking up your phone, turn it off and put it in another room. Remove any background noise or distractions that can pull your focus away from schoolwork. Staying focused is key to success in online school.
6. Make a Schedule and Stick to It
Creating a schedule and sticking to it can help you stay organized and on track. Write down all your classes, assignments, and due dates in a planner or use a scheduling app on your phone. This will help you manage your time effectively.
Example: My school provides a schedule, and I use the Reminders app on my phone to keep track of everything. I also have a planner where I write down all my tasks and cross them off as I complete them. This helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t forget anything important.
7. Write Everything Down
Writing things down is a great way to remember important information. Whether it’s in a planner, a notebook, or an app on your phone, make it a habit to jot down all your assignments, due dates, and important notes.
Why It Helps: Writing things down reinforces the information in your brain and serves as a visual reminder of what needs to be done. Use tools like the Reminders app on your phone to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
8. Take Regular Breaks
While it’s important to stay focused, it’s equally important to take regular breaks. Don’t sit at your desk for hours on end without a break. Short breaks can help you recharge and maintain your focus throughout the day.
Break Ideas: Take a 30-minute break between classes or study sessions. Use this time to grab a snack, stretch, or spend time with your family. Avoid turning on Netflix or YouTube, as this can lead to extended breaks and lost focus.
9. Wear Blue Light Glasses
Staring at a screen for long periods can cause eye strain and headaches. Blue light glasses can help reduce these effects by blocking harmful blue light emitted by screens.
Recommendation: If you experience headaches or eye strain, try wearing blue light glasses during your screen time. They can make a significant difference in your comfort and eye health.
10. Turn On Your Camera During Zoom Classes
Turning on your camera during Zoom classes can help you stay engaged and focused. It also shows your teacher that you’re paying attention and participating in the class.
Why It’s Important: Being visible in class can improve your engagement and make the online learning experience feel more interactive. It also helps create a sense of normalcy and connection with your classmates and teachers.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Procrastinate
Procrastination can be a major obstacle in online learning. To avoid falling behind, set goals and create a schedule for yourself. Break your tasks into manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time.
Strategy: If you have a big test on Friday, start studying on Monday. Spend an hour each day reviewing the material, and you’ll be well-prepared by the end of the week. Staying ahead of your work will help reduce stress and keep you on track.
discipline and these strategies, you’ll be on your way to a successful online school experience