Wow. The world has changed …and fast.

Remember, back in February (last month), when you got up to go to school at the same time every day, sat within inches of your best friends at lunch, and didn’t carry hand sanitizer with you, everywhere you went? Seems like a long time ago, doesn’t it?

Back then, you walked from class to class, sat at a (germy!) table or desk, listened to a teacher, talked with your friends, asked questions as soon as you had them, and moved from place to place on a regular schedule every day.

Now, your classes have abruptly moved online, your structure has vanished (along with your social life), and you’re struggling to figure out what’s normal anymore. We’re all there with you.

The format has changed, not the importance.

With the Covid-19 pandemic in full force, many schools have quickly transitioned to providing instruction online, so students and teachers can stay at home. Even in the midst of these uncertain times, it’s still important to continue your learning, and studies have shown that virtual learning can be just as effective as classroom learning. In fact, now - when you have the opportunity to be in charge of your own pace and your own schedule - might be the most important phase of your learning! You have the opportunity to work more effectively and more productively because you are in charge. This is when you prove to yourself (and your future college/employer/scholarship committee) that you have what it takes to be successful on your own. That’s kind of what life is like. So, now’s your shot!

So, what are the savvy strategies for success in online learning?

Here they are:

1. Structure

2. Structure

3. Structure

Exactly what you don’t have right now, right? We’re not trying to turn this hiatus into boot camp! Don’t worry, but do take note. Without establishing some basic structures, you’ll find yourself struggling more than necessary.

Create a (loosely) structured time schedule.

You don’t have to rise with the sun and work until sunset. The freedom of these work-from-home days allows you to desgin a schedule that works for you. Figure out what things are happening at specific times: do you have some classes meeting a specific times on Zoom or Skype? Write those on a calendar or planner. Are there specific due dates? Get those set as well. From there, plan a routine of getting up at (about) the same time every day. Get yourself ready for the day as usual, and then sit down and get into some work. It’s really best to do it early in your day, rather than putting it off until late in the day! Having a routine, especially one that’s roughly similar to your normal school routine will help your mind be prepared to learn and to work.

Create a (loosely) structured learning space.

We know that everyone can’t suddenly design a home office or home study room. It doesn’t have to be fancy! It just needs to be a work space, that is different than your play space, social space, or sleep space.

For instance, deciding that your bed is your work space is probably not the best idea. (Beds are typically “sleep space”!) It can be a card table, a certain chair at the kitchen table, or a corner on the floor. (Right in front of the television: also not a great idea!)

Get your essentials into your space: maybe a water bottle, some pens and notebooks, your laptop charger. Put those tools that will help you work productively in the space …and keep them there. They help you create a message to yourself that when you are in that space, it’s time to get something done!

As much as possible, keep distractions to a minimum. By distractions, I mean cell phones. :) Either keep your phone OUT of your work space, or set small goals for yourself, like “After I read these four pages, I’ll check my messages,” or “20 minutes of reading this Science, then I’ll let myself check Snapchat for 5 minutes.” Allowing yourself little breaks makes it easier to separate yourself for short times to get the work done.

Create some (loosely) structured self-care.

Again, this isn’t boot camp. You don’t have to jump up at a certain time to read, then time to work out, then time to eat. You have the opportunity, right now, to design your days to be the best days possible. Use them to build yourself into your best self possible! Specifically set aside time to eat, to get outside for a walk (while remaining socially distant from others!), and to relax! Even when you are staying home all day, you can and should take special care of YOU. Move your body at least once per hour: walk around the house, drink some water, stretch your limbs.

Self Care Tips:

• Get some fresh air every day!

• Stay in touch with family and friends.

• Move your body at least once per hour.

• Eat good foods.

• Set manageable goals and reach them!

• Stay organized to minimize confusion or stress.

• Monitor your internal status. If you are feeling anxious, stressed, worried, or uneasy, take some time to figure out why, what you can do to feel better, and how to avoid triggering those negative emotions in the future. (For me, that means watching less of the news, and only checking it periodically throughout the day.)

Stay savvy! 
Yes, these are challenging times for all of us. Everyone has had to adjust to new routines, new uncertainty, and new expectations - all of which seem to change by the day. But challenges are also opportunities, and we hope you take this opportunity to learn how to be productive in new ways. Those skills will serve you well in any situation.

Remember, too, that we are here to help! If you need support in your classwork or you want to use this time to prepare for the ACT or SAT (which will happen again someday!) - we’re always just a click or a call away!

Stay well. Wash your hands. We want to see you again soon!

Stay savvy, friends.

~Ms. Kristie