Advice for Academic Achievement from the Wisconsin Connections Academy Principal

No matter where or how your student learns, Principal Michelle Mueller offers these tips for success!

After a long summer of fun in the sun, Wisconsin Connections Academy, the state’s K-12 tuition-free, highly accountable virtual public school, and I welcome back hundreds of students from across the state!

This school year, I have decided to combine my love of teaching, mentoring and motivating others by offering tips for academic success in a monthly post, “Advice for Academic Achievement.” This month’s advice will focus on making your home more conducive to learning!

1.  Reduce clutter and get organized

Stacks of workbooks and papers make studying appear to be a daunting task. Help your child organize his or her learning materials and store them in a dedicated place such as a filing cabinet or paper folders – one for each subject. Consider pasting a chart on the inside front cover of the folders to track the amount of time spent studying for each subject, and note what chapters and assignments have been completed. This will organize your student’s educational materials within your home and document his or her learning accomplishments for the school year.

2.  Monitor noise levels

Whether your child is working independently or together with you, phones, televisions and outside noises distract children and pull them out of their studies – even if it is coming from another room. Be aware of when your child is studying and encourage family and visitors to avoid unnecessary interruptions, such as loud video games or conversations. Consider turning off or silencing electronic devices that can interfere with students’ concentration during study time.

3.  Designate an “education space”

Designate a room, or even a table, as your student’s learning space. Setting aside a specific area of your home where studying takes place creates an environment conducive to learning, much like a working classroom atmosphere. You and your child will come to associate that space with productive study habits. Having a designated area also helps with organization – you and your child will always know where school materials are located.

4.  Create a routine

Having a set time scheduled each day for learning or homework to occur creates good habits for students and parents. This is an important for all members of families to be productive and a part of a positive learning environment. By choosing special, scheduled times to watch favorite television shows or go over to a friend’s house, study time is reinforced, as well as the importance of the learning process.

5.  Make learning enjoyable

Showing interest in your child’s ideas and progress makes learning something that they want to excel at. Ask your child what materials or environment he or she needs to effectively learn and study within the home. Remember, learning at home doesn’t always have to be restricted to your residence – visiting a local science museum or attending a play may be related to your child’s school work and may spark ideas that were missing before. 

This post is the first of many that will offer families different ways to improve outlooks and levels of accomplishment while working through life in academia. Tips such as these can make learning and studying a positive experience for students, whether they attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school or a virtual public school such as WCA. If you think virtual learning might be a right fit for your student, visit www.connectionsacademy.com/wisconsin.