Author Archives: Abby Parnell

Abby graduated from Bridgeway in 2014 and was one of the first students to participate in our dual enrollment program through DeSales University. She is currently studying to be a physician's assistant at Valparaiso University. Her hobbies include playing instruments, reading, and physical fitness.
Why Homeschool Socialization is Important

People ask me about homeschool socialization all the time.
As a former homeschooler, my friends who were not homeschooled are often surprised that I’m not “socially awkward.” What’s strange is that it’s not just the traditionally schooled who think that homeschoolers are socially awkward. For some reason, many homeschoolers feel that same way.
But homeschoolers, like everyone else, have plenty of opportunities to get involved with other people and develop their social skills. In fact, many college professors and employers find that homeschoolers are better able to conduct themselves in a “professional manner” than their public school counterparts because they can take advantage of numerous socialization opportunities.
So in order to stomp out this stereotype of homeschool socialization as a concern, I have created a list of ways for homeschoolers to get out in the public and rub shoulders with others:

Ways to Increase Homeschool Socialization

  • Co-Ops: One way to improve homeschool socialization is through Homeschool Co-Ops. Homeschool Co-Ops are a great place to get involved with other like-minded homeschoolers and their families. Co-Ops offer classes for homeschoolers, field trip opportunities, and an outlet for Moms and Dads, too. Co-Ops give you the flexibility of class scheduling, and the plus of socialization. Classes are often taught by parents who are experts in specific subjects or areas. This provides a wide variety of classes for the kids in the Co-Op. Nearly every community has a homeschooling Co-Op, so find yours and give it a shot!
  • Scouting: February is a big month for Scouting. National Boy Scout Day is Feb. 8, and Girl Scout Cookie sales are traditionally huge this month. Found out about local troop information from your regional Boy Scout or Girl Scout Council. Both groups employ a variety of age groups and include lots of parental support. Don’t overlook Pathfinders, Boys & Girls Clubs of America4-H and others. Getting involved in wholesome community clubs can be a wonderful and rewarding experience.
  • Recreational Sports: Your student has literally thousands of ways to socialize with others outside of the classroom. Look to club or rec sports! Your child can try out for different activities like soccer, basketball, ballet, football and more through local youth organizations, YMCAs and YWCAs. Kids don’t have to attend a public school to play club sports, which provide opportunities for socialization and healthy activity. As your child gets older, they may discover a passion for one of these sports. Homeschooling can help your child pursue this! Bridgeway Academy has a program meant for athletes who want to participate in college sports with our special NCAA-approved program.
  • Community Service: To improve homeschool socialization outside of the classroom, you can start getting involved in a local outreach! This will teach your child to socialize with peers, adults, and even people who may be less fortunate. These opportunities will help your child learn humility, empathy and hard work, which will enrich them throughout their whole lives!
  • Sunday School and Youth Group: Most churches have a youth outreach program! Whether it’s Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, or both, your student can get involved and socialize with other like-minded students. Youth Groups provide a safe place to worship, learn about God, and connect with your peers.
  • Dual Enrollment: For homeschoolers in the later years of high school, many community colleges allow students to enroll and take classes for dual credit. In fact, I got to do this in my senior year of high school! It not only helped me socialize with other students, but it also prepared me for what college would be like! Homeschooling provided me with a flexible enough schedule to take part in dual enrollment, and it was one of the best decisions my family made during my high school years!

These are just a few of the many ways that your homeschool children can socialize with others. But homeschool socialization doesn’t stop there! It’s also important to remember that your child is socializing with you! Adult-student relationships are vital. Too many students don’t get this amount of time with their parents! Be proud of how your child is able to interact with adults, and don’t be afraid to get them involved within your community!

Keys to Motivation All Year Long

There have been days that I couldn’t find my motivation, and I’ve wanted to quit. I’ve wanted to break down, drop out of school and become a hobo living in my own personal train car. These days usually follow stressful weeks full of classes and homework, finals week, or the occasional exam day. And although I’ve wanted to quit, let it be known that I haven’t yet.
Teen motivation and homeschool motivation can be especially difficult, but after lots of tears and conversations with my mom, I’ve discovered my own ways to stay motivated.

First Rule for Motivation

First things first, I set goals. I set goals for the week, for the month, for the year, and for the next four years. Having a direction and goals to pursue has really helped me to stay motivated when the “going gets tough.”
The best way for me to keep track of my goals is to use an Excel spreadsheet. I use Excel to map out exactly what I want to get done. The best part is that if I change my mind or if something doesn’t work out, I can always go back and change it!

Take Time for Yourself

Another important aspect of homeschool motivation is my work outside of the classroom. I make time for myself to do things that I love. After a long day of classes, I make sure that I set aside at least an hour to spend with my friends or to do something that I really enjoy, like running or reading a good book! This hour helps me to refocus my brain and helps to alleviate my stress levels.
I’ve also noticed that after taking a break, I always feel more focused and ready to tackle my assignments. So figure out what you love and make time for it! Sometimes in order to do that, it may mean waking up an hour early, or even going to bed an hour later. However you decide to do it, it’s worth it.

Look to Your Support People

Sometimes, when school gets really tough, I talk to my mom. She always helps me see that I’m probably exaggerating a little bit, and she helps me plan out how I’m going to move forward.
Sometimes she tells me that the best thing to do is to forget about the past and just look forward. I’ll admit, this can be hard, especially when you feel like the problem is in the now! But overall, it really helps alleviate stress and refocus my brain. As I’ve said in numerous blog posts before, mom is ALWAYS right.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Many students don’t realize the importance of sleep. When you sleep, information is transferred from the short-term memory into the long-term memory. Taking time to properly rest can help your academic and homeschooling motivation drastically, and it can help keep you focused and efficient!
If you’re ever feeling completely overwhelmed, take a nap. Even just 20 minutes can make all the difference! This article shows you exactly how much sleep to get in order to accomplish something.

Make a Plan

I guess what I’m trying to explain is that when you’re feeling overwhelmed, sometimes the best way to accomplish your tasks is by first taking a break, planning out your goals, and then taking it one step at a time! Never be afraid to ask for help, and know that you are doing the best you can!
What are some ways you stay motivated throughout the year?

Year-Round Homeschooling: A Teen’s Perspective

For some families, year-round schooling can be a debated topic. While some countries require year-round schooling for kids, America does not. And, the idea of completing schoolwork in the summer months is almost as bad as saying you dislike apple pie! It’s just not very American. However, for those families who need the additional flexibility to take some time off throughout all the seasons, or for those families who know their child struggles after taking so much time off at one time, year-round homeschooling may your better option. So which is better for your family? A traditional school year? Or year-round homeschooling?

To help you think it through from a teen’s perspective, here are my best pros and cons pertaining to the idea of year-round homeschooling.

Pros:

Academic skills: Choosing to homeschool year round does wonders for study habits. I know that trying to get back into the swing of things after a few months off is always hard. You have to reteach yourself how to study, remotivate yourself, and relearn how to succeed in classes. Whereas if you were to be taking classes year round, you would never lose these skills!

Advancement: If you were to take classes year round, you would advance much more quickly throughout the year. Almost all classes start with a review of what was learned in a previous year, but if you don’t take a long Summer break, you can skip all of that review! This helps you to advance much faster in your courses. Meaning, that you can decide to graduate early, take more classes, or even spend time focusing on a passion! If I would have done this, I would have tried to convince my parents to let me spend a year studying abroad!

Flexibility: If you decide to try and do school year round, you will also have the opportunity to take more breaks throughout the year as well as some extra time in the summer! For instance, you may decide to take a month off for Christmas, two weeks off for spring break, and some time off for a summer vacation or a mission trip! While you won’t get a huge block of time off in the summer, you can give yourself something fun to look forward to throughout the whole year.

Cons:

No Summer Break: This is easily the biggest con about doing school year round. Not taking a full summer break means that you might miss out on fun things like summer camps or VBS. Plus, you will probably know that your “regular school” friends have a break and will be getting together to have fun.  Make sure to watch out for conflict and jealousy if you aren’t able to hang out with them.
Also, during summer break, many teens get to take seasonal jobs and can miss out on an opportunity to learn about the workforce.  This means you won’t be able to be that lifeguard, camp counselor or work at your favorite amusement park.

So, if you know that you definitely want to homeschool through the summer, consider doing your classes at night or earlier in the morning. That way you will have some time to spend with friends or participate in a summer activity or job!

Burn Out: Especially with more vigorous homeschool schedules, it’s easier to burn out and lose motivation when trying to do school year round. Taking a summer break gives you time to recharge and relax before jumping into the school year again!

One way to avoid the burnout is to switch up your course load! Instead of doing a full course load each summer, try taking just one or two classes. You can even just stick to electives during the summer months, like taking a fun art class!

Whether you decide to stick to a traditional school year or make the jump to year-round homeschooling, the flexibility and customization that Bridgeway offers will help make it easier for you! We can help you choose which classes to take, what your schedule will look like, and even take care of the grading and transcript process for you! 

Learn More

We’d love to hear your ideas about year-round homeschooling. Give us your thoughts in a comment below!

Back to School: What Every Homeschooling Teen Needs

Homeschooling is not like a traditional school. You don’t need a uniform or the latest trendy clothes, you don’t usually need a backpack, and in most cases, you don’t need to pack a lunch. But, there are a few things that are essentials to a homeschooling teen’s success each year, especially for High School students.

Here are my top five most important back to school items every high school homeschooler needs:

    1. A planner:

      Many high schoolers don’t realize just how valuable a planner can be, but it can be a vital part of keeping you on track and preparing you for the rigors of college academics. They can help prevent procrastination while promoting organization. Plus, they can also be used as a great outlet for creativity! Decorate your planner with stickers or colored pens and you will look forward to not only using your planner, but actually enjoy looking back at what you need to do. Need to find a good planner for the year? Here are some of my favorite planners for the 2016-2017 academic year:

    2. Pencils:

      Don’t get me wrong, I love pens, especially the colored ones for taking notes, but they’re just so permanent. Pencils are great for math assignments or for taking tests, and they allow you to erase your mistakes and redo things without having to see scribbles or “X’s” all over your page. While there are lots of options for pencils like Ticonderoga #2 and mechanical pencils, find a type you like and add them to your shopping list. They are a must for this upcoming school year!

    3. Colored Pens:

      As I mentioned above, I love colored pens! They’re great for taking notes, color coding things, or let’s be honest, doodling when you need a little brain break. I use my colored pens for literally everything: writing reminders, decorating my planner, and most importantly, for color coding my notes. Studies show that color-coded notes increase memory and concentration! Are you sold yet? There are also several different kinds of colored pens: gel pens, marker pens, or just plain-old colored pens! Here are my two favorites:

    1. Highlighters:

      Whether you’re reading a textbook, reviewing your notes or making an outline, highlighters are a great tool to remember the important points of a lesson. (Plus you can color code with these too)! Highlighters have the option of a thicker tip or a thinner one, but I recommend the thinner tip as it’s easier to stay “within the lines.”

    2. Note-cards:

      Notecards are amazing! They can be used to study facts, memorize a language, or they can even be used to keep track of sources when writing a research paper. In high school, memorizing vocabulary for the SAT or ACT is especially helpful for getting a high score, and notecards can be used over and over again to do this. If you need to write a lot of terms, try cutting the note cards in half to save paper. If you have younger siblings, make sure you save your notecards so that eventually they can use them too!

Now I know this is a short list, but these five things have made all the difference in my schooling, and if I could force everyone to use these items, I would!  Starting your school year organized will set the tone for the rest of the year, so start it strong with all the supplies you need!
What are your back to school essentials? Tell us in a comment below!

How to Transition from Summer to School

The first day of school is always a big deal! You’ve spent a lot of time preparing for the school year, and now that all the curriculum has been picked, the school supplies have been bought, and the lessons have been planned, it’s finally time to start school! It’s that time of year where many families and kids are excited about all the new experiences coming their way.

But what do you do for students who aren’t excited?

There are many ways to help students transition from Summer to school! Take a look at some of our top ideas for building the excitement and anticipation of the school year and don’t forget to download the free printable with more fun ideas and tips.

  1. Let each of your kids set up their own workspace, create their own schedules, and decorate their planners. Getting them involved gives them a feeling of responsibility and like they have some control over their organization.
  2. Start your first day of school with a light workload so that your students are not stressed and overwhelmed about what they need to cover every day. My favorite was when we started with a “syllabus day,” where we took some introduction time for each course.  
  3. Make physical activity a part of your everyday activities! Whether it is taking a break for “recess,” going for a run, or holding your own PE class, taking out a part of the day to exercise and have fun will help keep your students on track for the rest of the day, week, and school year! Some ideas for recess include:
      • Taking a Swim: Just getting into the water is great, there are tons of games that you can play, or you can even turn it into a personal swim lesson. Plus then it feels like you’re still enjoying the summer months.
      • Playing Four Square: Four Square was one of my favorite games growing up! All it takes is a ball, some chalk, and a good sense of sportsmanship!
      • Hopscotch: If you used chalk for Four Square, also try drawing out a hopscotch court! Make sure to use a rock and see who can get the furthest!
  4. Do some studying and reading outside! If it’s a really nice day out, make your school day even more fun by doing things outside! When I was growing up, my mom would let me and my sisters do our reading outside in the grass! The time flew by, and we were exposed to lots of Vitamin D! Just make sure to always wear sunscreen!
  5. Cook a special breakfast. Pancakes are always a classic, eggs are filled with protein, and French Toast is always fun because you can dress it up with whipped cream, fruits, or even cream cheese! Hopefully, an exciting breakfast will lead to an exciting first day of school. Here are some of my favorite breakfast recipes:
  6. Take a “first day of school” picture! You can write their year of school on a piece of paper, on a whiteboard, or even get fun shirts with their school year on it! When your student finishes high school, you will then have a collage of all their first days of school, and you can see how they’ve changed over the years!

Want more ideas for how to transition from the Summer months into your Fall routine?
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I hope your whole family has an amazing first day of school! How do you plan to make it special?

2016 Olympians Who were Homeschooled!

Ready.
Take your mark.
Get set.
“GO!”

Athletes from around the world have gathered to hear those words this Olympic season. In fact, many have dedicated their lives to it. These athletes all share similar qualities of working hard and being self-disciplined, but did you know that some of these 2016 Olympians have been homeschooled? Here are a few we want to highlight!

Colleen Quigley – Track and Field Steeplechase competitor Colleen Quigley attributes her success to her background in homeschooling. Steeplechase is not an easy race! It’s 3000 meters of running coupled with 28 barriers and seven water jumps, so many athletes wouldn’t even attempt it. But thanks to her self-discipline and ambition, Quigley excels at it. In an interview with “Hotshot Blog,” she states that, “… I was homeschooled until high school. So, I learned self-discipline from a young age — how to teach myself without as much guidance.” This skill has helped her reach her goal to be an Olympic athlete, and she is continuing to use her self-discipline to represent her country, her family, and the homeschooling community.

Simone Biles Simone, a three-time Gymnastics World Champion, 2016 Olympic Gymnastics All-Around Champion, and the most decorated American gymnast, was also homeschooled. She began her homeschooling journey at the age of 13 because it offered her the flexibility she needed to pursue her dreams. In an interview with The Undefeated, she stated, “If I had a competition, I had to leave for like a month, and I would take my school work with me. I didn’t get the high school opportunity, but it always worked out.” The flexibility that homeschooling gave Simone allowed her to pursue her dreams and eventually be named the Number One Gymnast in the World. Not only that, but she has 14 World Champion titles (which is more than any other Gymnast). She has really showcased her skills at the 2016 Olympics this year!

Steele Johnson Growing up, Steele Johnson had many trials to overcome. A diving incident when he was 12 almost took his life. But he learned how to use those experiences to build his skills and become the best diver he could be. Today, he is an Olympian who is not only jumping; he’s diving. In high school, Steele made a decision to focus on his sport and found that the best way to do this was to homeschool. Homeschooling gave him the independence that is required of Olympic Divers. Because he chose an online homeschool provider, he had more flexibility throughout the year and could pack more lightly when he needed to travel to competitions! This independence helped him to travel and train with different coaches all over the country. Without homeschooling, Johnson would not have had the same experiences and could not have become the best diver he could be.

  
If you have a passion for sports, homeschooling can help provide the elements needed to succeed. It provides flexibility and independence, and it also helps students develop the skills of self-motivation and dedication needed to succeed in athletics. If you are ready or thinking about making the next step, Bridgeway Academy can come alongside you to coach your academics and help with NCAA eligibility. Contact us today at 800-863-1474 to learn more! 

The Best Homeschooling Benefits For Teens

I never really understood the homeschooler stereotype. Sure there are typical homeschool families with 10 kids, two horses, and a dog (in fact I knew a family like that and they were pretty awesome)! But there are also homeschoolers who travel the world, homeschoolers who are elite athletes, gifted kids, lazy kids, performers, and then just your average Joe’s! If you look hard enough you can find homeschoolers with every personality type, just like in “normal” school. It’s because of comedians like Tim Hawkins (don’t get me wrong he’s hilarious) and natural human naivety that we have the homeschool stereotype that we do. But, despite the hype and stereotype, homeschooling benefits are awesome and the results are in. Because the best homeschooling benefits include individualized education, better preparation for college, more interesting courses, and more family time. What’s better than that?

Homeschooling Offers The Best Homeschooling Benefits For Teens 

College Preparation. Listen up everyone– homeschooling is nothing to be ashamed of because you’re probably going to do better than your peers! In fact multiple studies show that homeschoolers score more highly on college entrance exams and state standardized tests when compared to students who attend public and private schools. Not only that, but many students also have the ability to graduate early or receive college credit while still in high school. And statistics say homeschoolers are more prepared for college so they have lower drop out rates and achieve higher grades.  Don’t let anyone tell you that what you’re doing isn’t “real school work” you’re working just as hard if not harder than those who attend public and private school!

Relaxed Schedule. One of my favorite homeschooling benefits is the relaxed schedule. Most of your non-homeschooled friends are getting up around 6:00 am, some of them are riding school buses for 30 minutes or more, while still others are stuck at after school detention. As a homeschooler you don’t have to worry about that! You can sleep in and even do your school work in your pajamas. You can chew gum, you can eat food as you please, and I doubt that your lunchtime is confined to twenty minutes in a crowded cafeteria. If you want to do school during the evening, go for it. If you work outside your house and only do school 2 days a week, that’s fine too. No police or truency officer will be banging down your door.

More Freedom and Individuality. Some of the best homeschooling benefits are related to choices. We get to choose curriculum, courses, and what we want to learn about! None of your friends that go to traditional school can say they get to choose what courses they want to take, books they want to read, and languages they want to study. They’re boxed in to what the school offers. Not you! The world is open to you because you can take school wherever you are! So, travel, go on missions trips, and make field trips part of your classroom.

Better Social Experiences. Let’s face it, middle and high school can be an awkward time. That’s why homeschooling is so great! When you’re learning at home, you’re surrounded by people who know and love you every day. You also don’t have to worry about the school bully (although I suppose that siblings could sometimes be considered bullies)! When you’re homeschooled, you can be who you are and not worry about fitting in to the “in crowd” or finding people to accept you. Homeschoolers can join groups, sports, or organizations based around things you like, not only what’s available at the school, and you instantly have your posse. When it comes to the benefits of homeschool, you’re living the life!

I’m writing this article because I want you to understand the benefits of homeschooling and see that homeschooling is nothing to be ashamed of! You’re not any less intelligent or any more socially awkward. Chances are you don’t have 10 siblings (but if you do that’s AWESOME, life must be a giant party). If someone asks you why you’re homeschooled all you have to say is that you want to be homeschooled because the benefits of homeschooling far outweigh any negatives. Your education is your choice and I think you’ve made the right one!

Homeschooling How To — Homeschool Organization Ideas

As you prepare to start school this year something you should be asking yourself is how can you make your learning environment better? One thing that traditional schoolteachers have going for them is the classroom budget. At the beginning of every year they are allotted a certain amount of money to decorate the classroom. Unfortunately, as homeschool teachers your decorating will have to be on your own budget. But, having a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t create lasting memories though with a great homeschool room! And, while there are a ton of homeschool organization ideas out there (Pinterest, oh my!), we’ve come up with the 6 must do’s when considering homeschool organization.

  1. Don’t make it too cluttered. When it comes to homeschool organizational ideas, the biggest no-no is a distracting space. You don’t want your students to be staring at cool artwork on the walls or at a screen when they should be focusing on their schoolwork. Decorations should be kept at a minimum and their work space kept clean so that they can focus on the task at hand. If you’re homeschooling at the kitchen table, consider using a standing 3-sided poster board to give easily distracted kids their own “cubby” to work in. Avoid the distractions of a TV or other screens if possible!
  2. Use what space you have. Homeschool organization is about making the most of the space you have. If you have a homeschool room, great! Organize it by giving each child their own shelf for curriculum and books, then keep all of your art supplies, science kits, etc. in organized bins. If you don’t have a homeschool room, no worries! Keep each child organized in one work-box and then have a rolling cart or Rubbermaid tote with school, art, science, etc. supplies that you may need throughout the day. Tuck it away in another room or under a bed when you need the kitchen table for dinner at night.
  3. Use academic decorations. If you decide to hang up posters or other things on your wall choose ones that will help your students to remember what they’re learning and not things that will distract. Think periodic tables for your older students, multiplication tables for the younger ones, and the alphabet for your littlest learners. Keep it simple and uncluttered to avoid distraction but do hang up their work to show them how proud you are of them! Hanging a students work says “You’re awesome!” so much more than a motivational poster.
  4. Use a whiteboard. This is one of our favorite homeschool organizational ideas! You can make a whiteboard useful for anything from lesson plans to art lessons to math! Draw a column on the side and write daily or weekly assignments, checking them off as you go, and use the rest to help with daily lessons. Have students diagram sentences, practice spelling words, play hangman, etc. White boards get you and your kiddos up and moving around, something that’s very valuable to keeping focused. And, when the going gets tough, use it as a way for your students to take a break and doodle to ease some tension.
  5. Stock it with activities that fit their learning style! The best homeschool organizational ideas should take into account learning style. If you don’t know your students learning style, you’re missing out on maximizing their potential. Take this assessment that outlines not only their learning style, but also the best learning environment. If your student is kinesthetic have play dough or kinetics available! If they are visual provide globes or magnets that they can rearrange. And if your student happens to be a rare auditory learner play music or let them listen to their lesson on a CD player.
  6. Allow your student personal space. If you’re going to require your child to work in the space for multiple hours a day, you should probably include them in the design. Homeschool organizational ideas should include your kid’s style, personality, and wishes. Why not share power and let them have some space of their own? Whether that means letting them have a desk, their own bookshelf, or just a corner of the room. If your student has their own space they will feel more ownership over their learning and confident getting work done. If you need to have disciplinary discussions with them don’t do it there. That space should be their safe place where creativity and learning is king!

While there are a ton of homeschool organization ideas out there, choosing the best layout for your homeschool room should follow these 6 principles. A homeschooling space is where more than learning happens, it’s a room for discovery, bonding, and innovation. Need help with identifying the best homeschool program to use in your space? Call or email us today. 800-863-1474

Homeschooling Tips – The Best Way To Start The Homeschooling School Year

It’s towards the end of August and the homeschooling school year is just around the corner! There seems to be so much to do in order to prepare. So many books to review and lesson plans to make it may seem like you can’t finish anything. But, you may be really stressed about the best way to start the school year and all you must get done. Maybe you’re starting a new homeschool program or taking college courses. The start of the school year holds promise and expectations, but it can be a disaster if you don’t think through the best way to start the school year and what can work for you! Below are some homeschooling tips to help you start your homeschooling year off right.

Student-to-Student: Homeschooling Tips to Starting the Homeschool School Year off Right 

  1. Set Realistic Goals. What’s the best way to start the school year off right? Set realistic goals.  You don’t need to have every detail planned out, instead start by making an end goal. For example, if you are taking a semester long math course, set a date that you want to finish by and a grade that you want to finish with. Then throughout the semester you can be working towards that goal and making changes that will enable you to reach that goal. Have your parents help you with this so you know what’s expected of you and can manage all that’s on your plate.
  2. Organize Your Space and Time. The best way to start the school year off right is to organize. And I’m not just talking about your books. Notes, assignments, papers, curriculum, etc. all need to be organized well. Studies have shown that writing things down help you to remember different tasks that you need to complete. Not only that, but it is much easier to look back at your week and see if you accomplished all that you needed to.I like to have a planner. Computer and cell phone planners are great, but I like the old-fashioned spiral paper planner.
  3. Plan Your Day Everyday. Everyone is different; some people are morning people while others function better in the afternoon. The key is to plan your day out the day before so that you have an idea of when you need to get up and what you must get done. But be realistic.  If you like sleeping in don’t plan on getting up at 7 am. It will make you more tired and less motivated throughout the day. And plan breaks, during these breaks you should eat power foods or go for a walk. If you homeschool with family members or friends you can use this time to play games or make a meal. However, make sure that you are planning everything. If you have a set plan you are more likely to get things done than if you just “go with it.”
  4. Treat Your Body Well. We all know we need to eat well, get exercise, and get 8 hours of sleep. But do you know why? Your brain won’t work well if you’re not well hydrated, have adequate sleep, and get good nutrition. So, when you study without eating or sleeping well, you’re just wasting your time. Exercise helps to release stress and gives you more energy. One thing most students forget is  to hydrate. Water helps you focus, it keeps your skin clear, and it helps you motivate! Instead of drinking soda or excessive amounts of caffeine try to drink water. I promise you will see and feel results almost immediately and your grades will improve.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get help from a homeschool academy if you’re really worried. Bridgeway has advisors that are always more than willing to answer your questions. If you ever need anything don’t be afraid to call because chances are you will waste precious time trying to figure out the answer yourself when your advisor can easily tell you the right answer

What Students Need To Know About Online Homeschooling

We all know that everyone learns differently. But, it’s really important in this day and age to include technology in your learning process. You’ll be using computers and technology at college, on the job, and in everyday life in more ways than you can count. That’s why online homeschooling courses are a great option that will help you prepare for the future and beat the boredom that you may feel in textbook classes. I found great success in online homeschooling, and I know you can to! Online homeschooling helps students to focus, provides great feedback, and allows you to make the most of your time! However, there are few things you should know before you make the switch to online homeschooling.

4 Things To Know Before Taking Online Homeschooling Classes

  1. Online homeschooling can open the door to distraction. Computers are great, really great! With just a few clicks you can uncover information on just about anything. However, they also provide easy access to social media like Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest. And these are just a few of the websites that I get distracted on. It’s very easy to take a “break” from online homeschooling and find yourself an hour or so later wondering where the time went! If you choose to pursue online learning I recommend blocking social media sites because it is SO easy to get distracted and lose track of time using them. Make to also only allow yourself breaks after you’ve completed important items. For example, I set a goal to finish an online video and complete an assignment, then take a 10 minute break. Set a watch and, when the time’s up, get right back into doing school.
  2. Online learning requires focus and dedication. Have you ever been reading a textbook and 20 minutes later realize that you didn’t retain any of the information? It’s frustrating! Well online homeschooling can be the same way if you don’t give it your full attention. Don’t get tricked into thinking that online homeschooling will be easier because you don’t have to read as much; it requires just as much attention as textbook courses do! Just because your learning online doesn’t mean you won’t need to use the same methods you do to stay focused and engaged in other environments. Take notes in every class, set out a schedule and cross of each item you complete, and be sure to study your notes and for tests.
  3. Save your work! I’m ashamed to say that I have lost many files, online and on my computer, because I haven’t saved them right away. In fact, one time I lost a 10-page research paper that I was writing for a professor! The last thing that you want is to have to re-do your homework. Save as you write, don’t wait until the end, and make sure you understand exactly how to submit assignments and that you ask questions if you have any problems. And, if you don’t have an online program with live teachers to help you, you’re not getting the best of what online learning has to offer. Make sure to choose a program that has people to help you with your work along the way!
  4. Online homeschooling is challenging! I have heard many people say that online classes don’t promote real learning. Take it from me, that is NOT true. In fact, statistics show that online learners (especially homeschoolers) test higher on the SAT and the ACT.  If you’re ready for a change and a challenge, choose online homeschooling classes. But, be sure to choose the right ones! Not all online homeschooling is challenging. Make sure you program is accredited and has a great reputation so you can be sure you’re getting the best. Find out more about online homeschooling here.

Online homeschooling is a unique learning experience that’s radically different from the classroom. There are many benefits and many things to consider before switching to an online homeschooling program So make sure you know what’s best for you, set boundaries, and choose the right program before participating in online homeschooling.

Making the Grade- Class of 2015 Salutatorian William Goldstein

Congratulations to the Bridgeway Academy’s class of 2015 Salutatorian William Goldstein! William has shown great success through both his academics and through the performing arts. He chose to enroll in Bridgeway Academy the summer after his freshman year because of the simplicity of the curriculum and the flexibility that Bridgeway affords its students.

William prides himself in his ability to use both sides of his brain in both academics and the arts. He has performed in numerous musicals, and he even had the honor of being the first Off-Broadway Jack Kelly in the popular show “Newsies!” Outside of theater William has also appeared in several television shows and was recently cast as the lead in the upcoming TV series, “Coney Island.”  He he is a passionate artist, he also has a great love for the sciences even stating that his favorite class this past year was physics. His ability to utilize both sides of his brain has enabled him to succeed through out high school and will continue to help him in college and throughout his adult life.

William will be joining the California State North Ridge University Class of 2019 and will be majoring in Film. He has decided to attend CalState because it was recently named a top 25-film school in the nation. He plans to spend most of his summer preparing for college because he will be moving from his home in Virginia all the way to California!

Learn more about California homeschooling laws and requirements.

His final advice to fellow Bridgeway students is to “work hard and be yourself.” He recommends that students “learn to be flexible and ready to adapt because if you can do that, you can do anything!”  

How to Stop Summer Learning Loss

Summer is often a time of fun, relaxation, and a break from learning. But, you worked so hard this past year that the last thing you want is to take a step backwards. Unfortunately, summer learning loss can have disastrous effects and often students lose up to 30% of what they’ve learned during summer break. But, there’s good news! Academics don’t have to stop during the summer months. There are numerous summer learning options for families who want to put the brakes on summer learning loss and continue their student’s learning year round.

Homeschool Programs That Stop Summer Learning Loss 

Summer Bridge Workbooks 
My favorite summer school option was definitely Summer Bridge workbooks. The Summer Bridge Program takes students through a complete learning experience during their summer break, effectively stopping summer learning loss. One book provides lessons in math, reading, writing, science, and more. I know what you’re thinking, how on earth am I supposed to get my student to do school work during the summer? Summer Bridge isn’t long; it takes between only 15 and 20 minutes per day. It’s also exciting; each lesson is designed to hold the attention of your student through intriguing lessons, eye-capturing illustrations, and fun activities. Summer Bridge will help your student prepare for the next school year while still allowing them to have some fun!

Live Online Classes  
Speaking of fun, don’t miss out on our awesome Bridgeway Live Learning Labs! Homeschooling doesn’t have to mean giving up the classroom entirely, Bridgeway offers a way for students to interact with a live teacher and a classroom filled with students from all around the world! We offer classes in subjects including Biology, American History, Writing, Literature, and more!  You can find  a full list of the classes we offer and even a demo hereMiss the deadline? Don’t worry, classes start up again in the fall and are a great way to encourage collaboration and get your students excited about the school year.  

Dual Enrollment Courses 
Last, but not least I want to tell you about my favorite aspect of Bridgeway Academy: Dual Enrollment. Bridgeway is partnered with Davis College to bring college courses to high school juniors and seniors. This amazing program allows students to get college credit while in high school for a fraction of the price! My most memorable dual enrollment class was “The Fundamentals of Speech.” I always thought that public speaking was easy, however during this course I learned how to engage my audience on an entirely different level through numerous different speech styles.  Although it was harder than traditional college courses, I found that dual enrollment made a bigger impact on my learning and prepared me more for college than any of my other classes did!

These are just a few of the summer learning options for homeschoolers offered through Bridgeway. Summer learning loss isn’t inevitable and “summer school” doesn’t have to be boring! Use these fun summer learning options to stop summer learning loss and keep your students engaged and loving learning. And you’ll be thankful you did when the school year hits and your family sails smoothly into homeschooling once again.