#Rethink School: Why Should I Have to Stay in One Place to Learn

The tapping of pencils, the ticking of the clock, the fidgeting of legs—distractions abound in a traditional classroom setting. For many active children, staying in one place for hours harms their quality of learning. Others may find it hard to focus if they’re thinking about their external passions, such as when they can practice sports or manage their own business next. Instead of focusing on the learning at hand, your child might be too busy thinking about all the things to do once the dismissal bell rings.

Online school avoids these roadblocks, all with the flexibility of location. To start, students get time back from cutting out transportation time to and from school; that added time for sleep, sports, and hobbies is just the start of virtual learning convenience. Discover all the places your busy learner could attend school to best suit their needs, personality, and schedule.

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From a Personalized Workspace

Online schooling allows each student to create a space where they learn best. While a traditional classroom can feel restrictive and result in unpredictable distractions, a personalized workspace allows controlled familiarity. Good lighting and comfortable seating should be prioritized when creating your child’s classroom, but even base requirements call for personalization. Your child might work better with dimmer lighting versus a brighter setting; even their chair preference could make all the difference. But beyond the essentials, the home environment permits freedom for your child to choose.

Your learner may work best taking paper notes while in online live sessions. Their space can prioritize writing space and a filing system to reference previous notes easily. Other learners may require additional aides for learning focus. For example, Stride K12 student Connor needs fidget toys to focus in class. At traditional brick-and-mortar school, fidget toys were considered a distraction for other students. However, online school ensures fidget toys can be a part of the workspace for heightened focus and lessened anxiety.

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From a Standing Desk

For some, a seated workspace might be the wrong solution. Though standing desks have received support from educators, adoption in traditional schools is slow and might not serve everyone’s needs in a typical classroom. A study of 100 elementary school students found standing desks saw an increase in physical activity and better concentration, particularly for younger students.

During the school year, physical activity naturally decreases as class time replaces summer outdoor activities. The combination of a standing desk and online school makes it easier to fit your child’s physical activity into a school schedule. In addition to the cognitive and mental benefits of physical activity, even simply standing makes a difference in physical health. According to Healthline, standing for an hour burns 100 to 200 calories, compared to an hour of sitting, which burns 60 to 130 calories. For students with a more challenging time focusing or ADHD, switching from sitting to standing will decrease restlessness and lack of concentration.

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From the Couch 

A busy day of learning shouldn’t mean no time for rest. In fact, adding rest throughout the day may increase academic success. According to a study of 3,000 students aged 10-12, midday napping led to mood boosts, self-control, fewer behavioral problems, and higher IQ. Research shows that even taking smaller, purposeful mental breaks increases energy, productivity, and focus.

Rest can also take place during learning. Switching up your child’s workspace when necessary, such as a couch associated with calm and rest, may ease moments of anxiety or discomfort. Having the option to lie down while learning helps school become more accessible during medical disruptions, limiting the adverse effects of missing school due to health issues.

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While On the Road 

If your child is a gifted athlete or has a hobby that requires travel, in-person schooling may prevent them from reaching their full potential. The flexibility of an online school schedule allows external ambitions and academics to receive equal importance and attention. Stride K12 student Ella found that online school allowed her to compete in horse showing on a national level. Ella says: “Enrolling in online school has simplified the equation for me to travel across the country and plan for my future.”

Virtual school means your child can learn on the go to maximize opportunities for unique talent. Attending out-of-state tournaments or training during the day allows a complete exploration of where their talent could take them, whether to an esteemed college via athletic scholarships or directly to a professional career. Eliminate doubt or “what-ifs” by opening the door to real-world achievement early.

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At Your Side Hustle

A recent survey found that 60 percent of teens would rather start their own business than work a standard job. With the current boom of young entrepreneurs, online school not only exposes the technological skills necessary to start a business but provides the flexibility to conduct operations during business hours.  Take Stride K12 student Landon, a six-year-old and a business owner. Landon started his business, Hats for Cats, sewing hats, bags, pet beds, masks, and other products. So far, he’s donated $10,000 to five charities. Early exposure to business and finance expands your child’s future possibilities and success, all thanks to the ability to learn anywhere.

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Online school gives the most options for a learning environment. Enroll your child in a Stride K12 online school so they’ll get the most out of learning and make time for their passions.