As the start of school year rolls around, parents and students (and even teachers) are amazed at how quickly the summer months flew by. Before you know it, you're preparing your student for another year, another grade, and another new round of courses. At ICA, students can choose their own school calendar or they can decide that a traditional school calendar year is best for them.
Whenever you're starting at ICA, heading back to school as a student in an online distance learning program can be similar to a student heading back to class at a traditional school, but there are also differences. To help your student successfully transition to Ignite Christian Academy, consider these helpful tips:
1. Confirm start dates and course enrollment with your ASR. It might have been a few months since you've been in contact with ICA. To be sure your student is signed up for the proper courses for the next year, contact your academy service representative. Also double check dates for beginning your course.
2. Read the syllabus. Find out if your student needs any additional materials. If your student is taking a language course, check ahead to see if readers are needed. If enrolled in an art or science course, make sure that you have all the supplies or experiment materials on hand. Even if you're not sure what your course requires, you can always visit the student center to find supply lists or call your ASR.
3. Get acquainted with your student's teachers. Before classes start, give your student's teachers a call or send them an email. Introduce yourself and get a head start on building a relationship. The stronger your communication with teachers is, the better your student's educational experience will be. Encourage your student to contact their teachers too.
4. Make sure your student has the correct technology. Is your student taking online courses? Ensure your computer has the necessary system requirements and Internet connection so your student isn't hindered by technology while completing lessons. Download lessons if using CD-ROMs ahead of time and bookmark the link for submitting tests and projects online if you're using print-based curricula.
5. Encourage your student to make friends. With ICA your student can join the virtual student center or social media groups and make friends anytime of the year. There's no need to wait until classes start! Just like at a traditional school, friends can help your student navigate coursework, answer questions, give encouragement, and tell him what to expect.
6. Set a regular routine for your student. At ICA, we've found that successful students have a regular schedule and that they stick to it. Learning online gives the illusion of free time and no schedules, but that's not true. Even more than a traditional student, an online learner needs a routine to stay on track. Your schedule can be made to fit your student, but make sure it's enforced and followed. Outline the schedule before you start classes.
7. Communicate with your student. The most important element in your student's educational success is parental involvement. Helping with checking homework, answering questions, and ensuring your student is on pace can be the difference between your student having a good experience or not. Just as in a traditional school, your support and encouragement as a parent is vital.
As you head back to school at Ignite Christian Academy, remember that preparedness is as important as your student's attitude toward learning. Here teachers help with questions and paperwork, but your role as a parent can never be replaced. The one constant factor in any student's success is the commitment of the student and the parent. Make this year's back to school at ICA the best it can be!
Do you have your own back to school tips? Share them with us!