Hello PA Virtual families! As we've sailed through the first month of school, it’s been really heartwarming to see so many of our students enter the classrooms eager and ready to learn. The desire for learning and curiosity of our students never ceases to amaze us! It was also a delight catching up with many of you during our picnics and outings across Pennsylvania. Massive shout out to our Family Support Coordinators - they are the best! What a fantastic way to bond and share some laughs, from capture the flag, to crafts, kickball, Super Squirrel appearances, and just good conversation... it's always a great time. Anyways, as we keep rolling, make sure to take a peek at all the exciting clubs and events we’ve lined up on Blackboard on our outings page. These are perfect chances to dive deeper with some hands-on experiences, meet some new friends, and spice up the school days! Who doesn't love a good field trip?
Onto the good stuff - adjusting to virtual school. For those of us who have been in a virtual learning environment before, we know the challenges ahead of us. But no worries, falling back to fundamentals will always win out (that goes for everything). So as I go through these suggestions, realize that some of them are tailored for our synchronous students, students who are actively in classrooms with our teachers day to day, and some for our asynchronous students who independently learn with regular supervision and guidance from our teachers.
Synchronous Learning: Staying Engaged in Real-Time
Get Ready to Be in the Classroom!
Just like in traditional school, having a fixed daily schedule for virtual classes can make a big difference. Set regular times for waking up, attending classes, and studying. This not only helps in managing your day efficiently but also sets the tone for your own expectations, reinforcing that school time IS indeed for learning, even if it's at home. It can help you transition into 'school mode' and ensure you're prepared and punctual for your lessons.
Create a Study Environment: No Distractions, No Problems
Find a quiet corner in your home that can be dedicated to school activities. This area should be away from the least travelled family zones and not too close to televisions or other distractions. Make sure it’s equipped with all the necessary supplies—like textbooks, notebooks, pens, and possibly a whiteboard for jotting down quick notes. A clean and organized space can help minimize distractions and maximize focus, making it easier to attend live classes and complete assignments.
Engage Actively: Be IN the Moment!
Participation is key in virtual learning just as much as it is in-person. Encourage your child to ask questions, join discussions, and be involved in group projects. This keeps learning interactive and dynamic, helping you reinforce material and to be part of a class with classmates and teachers. Participation also allows your teachers to get a good idea of where you might need help. Chances are - if you're participating in class, you're helping your future self get better grades!
Manage Time Effectively: Avoid Issues Ahead of Time
Teach yourself to use breaks smartly, stretch, grab a snack, or do a quick activity that doesn’t involve screens to give your mind a rest. Meditation is a lifesaver sometimes when you're overloaded. But ultimately keeping a calendar, digital or paper, where you can track all your assignments, tests, and important dates. Get your parents to help you out with this! This habit not only helps in staying on top of schoolwork but also in developing essential time management skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life!
Asynchronous Learning: Mastering Self-Paced Education
Embrace Your Independence & Stay Ahead
Setting a daily routine that is much like a day of a traditional school day can boost your productivity and mindset towards learning. Encourage yourself to wake up at a consistent time each morning, dressing for school to signal it’s time to learn, and scheduling blocks of time for different subjects just like a school timetable. Utilize technology around you to keep yourself in check, alarms, reminders, notes, and the works. Remember, being an asynchronous student means you're in charge of your own schedule. But you can't be in charge if you don't have a routine. Don't let chaos control you. Routine helps instill discipline and prepares your mind for a day of focused learning, making the transition between home and school life seamless and effective.
Crafting the Perfect Learning Nook
Create a personalized learning space for yourself that is quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions. This area should be solely dedicated to school activities... think of it as bringing a piece of the classroom home. Equip it with comfortable seating, some good lighting, and everything you would need for school within reach. A designated study spot not only minimizes distractions but also helps you switch into study mode, helping you stay focused and ready for any surprises.
Communicate Regularly: Stay in Touch with Your Teachers
This one is big. When you’re learning on your own, it’s super important to keep talking to your teachers. If something in your lesson is confusing or if you’re just curious about something specifically, shoot them a message. Your teachers are there to help you out, whether you’re stuck on a tough problem or just need a quick check-in to make sure you’re doing things right. I'll say it as loudly as I can for the teachers who want their students to know this: They want to hear from you at all stages of your learning! Whether you're doing great or need a little extra help. So, don't be shy, reaching out can make your schoolwork a lot smoother.
Master the Art of Organization
Now let's be honest here, if you mastered a routine, everything will fall in place for this specific skill. You've got to stay organized and prepared. Use planners or digital apps to keep track of assignments, upcoming tests, and deadlines! Sometimes a random ping from your phone could be the saving grace you needed to remind yourself to get an assignment done. If you keep track of all your required assignments and work - these planners and apps will do the rest of the work for you. As far as being organized goes remember that sometimes mistakes happen, from anywhere and anyone, including yourself. Having your grades tracked and checked in on can help in the long run when you end up running into a 0 from an assignment that you know you turned in.. so stay organized! Keep all your work in a folder that can be reached easily. Even within your own folders, you should have other subfolders for each class that you have. Should you run into issues - you'll know where your homework is!
So as we press forward into the school year, let’s stay curious, organized, and proactive! Make sure to explore the clubs and events listed on our Blackboard page - they're absolutely great ways to help you get the most out of your days here at PA Virtual. To all our families at PA Virtual, your dedication and hard work are what make our community shine. Keep pushing forward, stay connected, and let's keep making this year awesome!