Staying Focused On Homework And Activities In High School Can Require Regular Planning
By Kayla Hubbins, Stride Student Advisor
As an online high school student, sometimes, it is hard to keep track of and focus on schoolwork. Coming into high school, whether online or on-site, can create the initial challenge of focusing and maintaining a consistent schedule.
How I, personally, stay focused while staying home to learn is by planning out my weekly homework and study time. My homework and studies certainly keep me busy. So, here are some tips on staying focused that I’ve learned, as a second-year high school student, at a Stride-powered school.
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Focus Tip #1 For Online High School Students
I recommend looking at the week ahead on your school schedule every Monday morning, to get an estimate on the amount of homework you will be expected to complete. I have a whiteboard that I put right in front of my desk. I label each day on the whiteboard and then focus on the work I can knock out early. I estimate that I spend an average of 45 minutes to an hour working on these tasks. I then prefer to take a break on the next day and make studying, instead of homework, my main focus. I then come back on the third day and knock out the harder things on my weekly schedule. This pattern continues through the end of the week for me, alternating extra homework days with deeper study days. And, I definitely recommend you find a pattern similar to this that works for you, so that you don’t end up falling behind with your homework and overall study goals.
Focus Tip #2 For Online High School Students
In between classes, if I am having a light day, I will choose to do additional, upcoming homework and catch up on any work I might be missing (due to illness or other conflicting life obligations). Sometimes, while studying, I will listen to some calming jazz music. This helps me concentrate. I recommend that as an online high school student, you find a way to utilize your lighter workload days to get a head start on other assignments and projects. And, if you notice you work better with your favorite music playing in the background, then be sure to add that into the mix, as well.
Focus Tip #3 For Online High School Students
Be sure to set aside a quiet area in your home, a space that is just for you, where you can work and study without interruptions or distractions. Having snacks near you, a nice fan for airflow, and a drink will also help to keep you nourished and hydrated, and you will then be better able to concentrate.
Sometimes, the pressures of high school can really get to us, and setting up a consistent and progressive weekly schedule can help us to stay on track, as students. Coming from a brick-and-mortar school myself, it was initially hard to focus on online high school assignments and projects, without a schedule that worked for me. Getting into a routine ultimately helped me to better focus and to get more things done. Being focused is also a social skill that we need to learn for life after high school graduation. Learning how to focus while in high school will help you in college and at future workplaces.
Be sure to check out the article, A Student’s Overview Of Online School’s Benefits, to learn more!
And, to you can also read a Stride Student Advisor’s perspective on Debunking Typical Online School Stereotypes, too!
Make sure to visit 5 Tips For New Online High School Students, to get a Stride Student Advisor’s important advice.
To learn more about Stride Career Prep's Student Advisory Council, be sure to visit https://www.k12.com/stride-career-prep/about/student-advisory-council.html
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