Online learning offers many opportunities not available in a traditional school. For example, students can attend classes from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection and complete courses according to their own schedule and pace. However, along with this flexible freedom, it's important to include activities other than just schoolwork.
Additional non-school activities broaden online students' perspectives and make them more well-rounded individuals. In addition, these activities are often avenues for students to meet new friends and ease any questions parents may have about their online student's social interaction. Here are a few ideas for extracurricular events that can further social skills and academics:
• Student clubs (Scouts, chess, reading, 4-H, film, skateboarding, math, debate, etc.)
• Volunteer groups
• Sports teams or individual athletics
• Youth camps or retreats
• Church events
• Field trips
• Museums or historical sites
• Theater or concerts
• Personal hobbies (cooking, gardening, sewing, collecting, journaling, photographing, etc.)
• Art or music lessons
• Community service (mentoring, working at a hospital, adopting a highway, etc.)
Most importantly, as parents of online students, use these opportunities to encourage your students to develop their personal talents and abilities. Though students are naturally drawn to extracurricular activities of interest, be sure to challenge them to do things outside their comfort zones as well. After all, they might just discover they like things they never thought they would.
In what extracurricular activities does your student participate?