How Do You Make Socialization Work in an Online School Environment?
Willamette Connections Academy believes social development is a key component of every student’s experience at our school. The past couple of years made it difficult to host school get-togethers for students. While in-person events have returned with field trips and the graduation ceremony in June, families have many other opportunities to socialize.
“Seeing my students and families in person was amazing! So many of my students now have a "best friend" in our class. I look forward to many more get-togethers and opportunities to connect what we are doing in class to an in-person event.” WillCA Special Education Teacher Mrs. J.
“Socialization while your child is doing online school is possible, we just have to get a little creative.” WillCA Middle School Teacher Kerrie Barton is also a parent of a Connections Academy student.
“When connecting through webmail with other parents/guardians, introduce yourself as your child’s parent/guardian and that your students are in the same grade/classes at school. Tell them you and your child want to connect with other families outside of school and ask if they’d be interested in meeting somewhere, like a park or at a local event.
Last fall, we thought it would be fun to go to a pumpkin patch. I contacted several sixth grade families individually through webmail inviting them to join us. Three students and their families came and the kids had a wonderful time!”
Special instructions for the Directory
WillCA parents can use the directory to locate families open to social activities within 25 miles of their zip code. From your home page, look for the pull-down menu labeled “more” and you’ll see the “School Directory”.
You’ll be able to see categories and connect to families using WebMail. Your address and phone number won’t be visible to others until you give our school permission to share that information.
To grant permission:
To connect with other families:
- One of the most common questions families ask when considering online school is “How can my student develop social skills?” Instead of socializing with the same 30 or so classmates every day in a traditional brick-and-mortar school, online school parents can tailor socialization to meet their child’s interests and needs.
- There are lots of Connections Academy Global clubs and activities ranging from art, books, and chess, to science, technology, and Esports. These provide students an avenue to pursue passions, learn teamwork, and compete, all while having fun social interactions with others who share their common interests. We also have a full offering of in-house enrichment opportunities HERE.
- Now that life is getting back on track, watch for more face-to-face field trips and other events across the state sponsored by WillCA offering fun and educational enrichment for students. WillCA teachers have many touching memories from recent field trips.
“Seeing my students and families in person was amazing! So many of my students now have a "best friend" in our class. I look forward to many more get-togethers and opportunities to connect what we are doing in class to an in-person event.” WillCA Special Education Teacher Mrs. J.
- Parents often find it helpful to log into the closed WillCA family Facebook page to see if families in their community want to meet up or look for social opportunities in various parts of the state.
- Parents can create the social network they want for their students, using flexible scheduling and personalizing those opportunities (similar to their children’s academics), according to their specific interests. Encourage students to explore hobbies, volunteer in the community, and consider other possibilities. What about a game night with neighborhood friends, performing arts like theater, dance or music? Sports is always a healthy outlet, whether it’s at the local brick-and-mortar public school or youth league.
- Like many kids, Willamette Connections Academy students often use smartphones, social media, and texting to keep in touch with friends. Students can hang out with classmates often before LiveLessons or other opportunities during discussion groups. Virtual learners interact with a vibrant school community using the digital tools Willamette Connections Academy provides including the secure WebMail system.
- Whether you’re interested in a school sponsored field trip or want to create a fun outing of your own, Willamette Connections Academy families can reach out through the Directory* in the Pearson Online Classroom (Connexus). See instructions below** for how you can get your name listed in the Directory and how to contact other families in your local area.
“Socialization while your child is doing online school is possible, we just have to get a little creative.” WillCA Middle School Teacher Kerrie Barton is also a parent of a Connections Academy student.
“When connecting through webmail with other parents/guardians, introduce yourself as your child’s parent/guardian and that your students are in the same grade/classes at school. Tell them you and your child want to connect with other families outside of school and ask if they’d be interested in meeting somewhere, like a park or at a local event.
Last fall, we thought it would be fun to go to a pumpkin patch. I contacted several sixth grade families individually through webmail inviting them to join us. Three students and their families came and the kids had a wonderful time!”
Special instructions for the Directory
WillCA parents can use the directory to locate families open to social activities within 25 miles of their zip code. From your home page, look for the pull-down menu labeled “more” and you’ll see the “School Directory”.
You’ll be able to see categories and connect to families using WebMail. Your address and phone number won’t be visible to others until you give our school permission to share that information.
To grant permission:
- Go to the Data View link under each child enrolled
- Look at the top bar for 3 dots. That is a drop down menu. Select “School Directory”
- Click “Yes” to be included in the Directory
- Check the box next to “Interested in Meeting up”
- Remember to “Save” and “Finish”
To connect with other families:
- Go to your Learning Coach page, look for the 3 dots.
- Find the “Student Directory”
- See graphic below. You can search by family name, or city in the “search text” box.
- You can also sort columns by “grade level”, or “city”
- You should get a list of students your child attends school with.
- Click the letter icon next to the caretaker’s name to send a webmail, please don’t webmail the student.
Online School Offers More Flexibility for Socialization
Many parents may not realize the flexibility their family has for social opportunities when their student attends an online school such as Willamette Connections Academy. Their kids may find more time in the day to be social. In addition to the activities offered by WillCA, consider socialization from this perspective:
“With Willamette Connections Academy we’ve been able to enjoy the flexibility and “no real homework” aspects of the program,” shared Lea Hutchison, mother and Learning Coach to 6th grader Myia and 3rd grader Eli. “The flexibility and freedom have allowed my students to fully engage in extracurricular activities such as local theatre, and community lead sports over the years. They’ve also taken advantage of programs that take place during a traditional school day such as mini camps at the Aquarium and swim lessons at the local gym.”
Lea added, “One of the coolest things we can do is a self-directed field trip to gather true-life research on a subject they may be writing a paper about like the history of Multnomah Falls or learn fascinating facts about Cheetahs in person at Wildlife Safari. We love Connections Academy for just that; Connections, having the flexibility and freedom to make connections between academic and real life.”
- Flexibility in time management. When students attend a full-time online public school like Willamette Connections Academy, they often have additional time to do fun things.
Because the time students spend doing academics is often more productive and academically challenging, they have more freedom to pursue their interests and socialize on their own terms.
The flexible schedule in the online school environment gives students more freedom to join athletic clubs, youth groups and other things during the traditional school day.
- Students attending WillCA can socialize by trying out for sports, band, and other OSAA extracurricular activities at neighborhood brick-and-mortar public schools.
- The variety and level of involvement for socialization possibilities expand in online learning like getting to know others through part-time jobs. Some students often become more involved in competitive athletics, performing arts, special hobbies, and even travel if one of these opportunities requires trips to other places.
- WillCA students have additional flex time for friends since technically they don’t have “after school homework”. Children can also be more selective about the friends they hang out with.
“With Willamette Connections Academy we’ve been able to enjoy the flexibility and “no real homework” aspects of the program,” shared Lea Hutchison, mother and Learning Coach to 6th grader Myia and 3rd grader Eli. “The flexibility and freedom have allowed my students to fully engage in extracurricular activities such as local theatre, and community lead sports over the years. They’ve also taken advantage of programs that take place during a traditional school day such as mini camps at the Aquarium and swim lessons at the local gym.”
Lea added, “One of the coolest things we can do is a self-directed field trip to gather true-life research on a subject they may be writing a paper about like the history of Multnomah Falls or learn fascinating facts about Cheetahs in person at Wildlife Safari. We love Connections Academy for just that; Connections, having the flexibility and freedom to make connections between academic and real life.”
Socializing for Online School Students has Additional Benefits
There’s a perception that students attending an online school will feel more isolated than those in a traditional school setting. However, by spending time with family, extracurricular activities, and other community opportunities, WillCA students gain many important skills to boost their social and emotional development.
Kerrie Barton, WillCA Middle School Teacher, and parent of a Connections Academy middle schooler, encourages fellow parents to help their students use the school’s virtual tools.
“For example, when a teacher uses breakout rooms to host small groups, encourage your student to attend and actively participate. It can often feel less overwhelming in a small-group setting versus the whole-class setting. As kids gain confidence, challenge them to step out of their comfort zone by using the microphone or their webcam to share their thoughts out loud.”
“It is amazing the difference one student can make. In my virtual classroom, when just one student is brave enough to speak or appear on camera, others often follow and it leads to more genuine relationships and feelings of comradery.”
By socializing online, children feel more comfortable communicating with classmates, and teachers. They can then take baby steps into other social interactions outside the learning environment when they’re ready.
“Online school allows our kids to spend more time with adults like their coaches, parents, and grandparents,” explained Melanie Cutler, mom and Learning Coach to 9th grader Addison and 5th grader Brynn, both very active in track sports. “This has sped up their social development and has made it easier for them to interact with their peers and adults.”
WillCA encourages families to talk with their teachers and school counselors if they have students struggling with socialization skills or to seek suggestions to enhance social opportunities.
- WillCA is a statewide community. With students enrolled in grades K-12 across the state, our kiddos get to know classmates from many different socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.
- There are many one-on-one interactions with classmates. Whether it’s chatting with peers before a LiveLesson begins, or in a secure chat using a “breakout” room during a virtual class session, students can learn the best ways to socialize online. Children understand how to interact respectfully, negotiate with others and collaborate on small group projects.
Kerrie Barton, WillCA Middle School Teacher, and parent of a Connections Academy middle schooler, encourages fellow parents to help their students use the school’s virtual tools.
“For example, when a teacher uses breakout rooms to host small groups, encourage your student to attend and actively participate. It can often feel less overwhelming in a small-group setting versus the whole-class setting. As kids gain confidence, challenge them to step out of their comfort zone by using the microphone or their webcam to share their thoughts out loud.”
“It is amazing the difference one student can make. In my virtual classroom, when just one student is brave enough to speak or appear on camera, others often follow and it leads to more genuine relationships and feelings of comradery.”
- Some students need more support. Many students with social and emotional challenges, especially those struggling with social anxiety often find a safer, supportive environment in an online school like Willamette Connections Academy. They may have faced bullying, teen drama, or other situations at a previous school.
“While socializing with peers is important, feeling comfortable in a safe school environment was more important,” said Christina Duval, mom and Learning Coach to Lucas, a senior at WillCA. “It can be a bit overwhelming sometimes when you have learning needs and anxiety. Sitting in a classroom with distractions does not help the situation or watching what you say to your peers. WillCA provides a safe, healthy, comfortable environment where Lucas can socialize with his peers. Lucas has made some really nice friends over the years being in an online school program!”
By socializing online, children feel more comfortable communicating with classmates, and teachers. They can then take baby steps into other social interactions outside the learning environment when they’re ready.
“Online school allows our kids to spend more time with adults like their coaches, parents, and grandparents,” explained Melanie Cutler, mom and Learning Coach to 9th grader Addison and 5th grader Brynn, both very active in track sports. “This has sped up their social development and has made it easier for them to interact with their peers and adults.”
- Students learn valuable life lessons they will use now and later in life in the way they experience socialization while attending an online school such as WillCA. We’re referring to things like teamwork, time management, as well as taking responsibility for their words and actions. These are all character traits that will help kids navigate social opportunities as they grow older.
WillCA encourages families to talk with their teachers and school counselors if they have students struggling with socialization skills or to seek suggestions to enhance social opportunities.