How Do You Know If Your Child Is A Cyber School Child?

Ever since my daughter's toddler years she has found ways to entertain herself by keeping her mind active for hours even as a single child.  She wasn't a curious child who needed constant protection from household dangers. Still, when she was a baby I went through the formalities of covering this and securing that for her safety. I don't remember her going into cabinets or sticking her fingers where they did not belong. I remember her passion for using her imagination for hours and hours without guidance or instruction. Her passion was supported with with educational toys, pencil and paper, a computer, and more.  Even in primary school she daydreamed excessively in class.  I know that her imagination was at work thinking of stories and characters to create; although she got into trouble with a teacher or two. Surprisingly, her classroom teachers were both tolerant and supportive when she drew during class.  It really kept her engaged and interested in what they were teaching.  I believe this because she was an honor roll student.

In her early teens she kept busy making up characters and stories with pencils, paper, digital pens and software. Eventually, I desired for her to spend more time at home while attending school so that she could be closer to her art, her passion. That is why I think that 'cyber' school has worked for her. This is our experience together and now it's become our life as a family.

Cyber High School: American Government Final

Since September 2012, my daughter started her senior year in high school through BYU (Brigham Young University) funded through the public school system here in Wisconsin. It is an independent study program that is completed online.

The learning curve can be very steep. I believe that it has built character in my child. As of April 3, 2013 she completed her first course in American Government with passing marks after a final exam. (Wheww!) This was a big achievement that I believe she is really proud of.

Back To Cyberspace High School in Fall 2012

After taking an entire year off from cyber school to attend an urban school 'back on earth', my teen has been permitted to return to yet another cyber high school.  The first cyber school experience was actually a blended program, not fully online. Now she is 100% online.

On your game parents

Just a final post of the month to inspire parents of cyber school kids!?

So I have learned over time to get in the game and stay in this game. Otherwise I'll be outsmarted by the kid! This means to keep track, even a log, of my child's work daily and to check on the progress reports provided at least once a week, even if I don't understand them. While you may get some resistance in the beginning, in the long run it will serve as a safety net and indicate that you care.

What weekends are like now

Chillin' as we approach a new school week because it's o.k. for the laundry to need washing. She always has something to wear the first day back, a robe.  She even slid by today without playing catch-up on earth science. She did catch up on sleep. This is what a teen weekend is like in cyber-high.

Official day off: No school

Sike, she still had a chance to follow the lessons because of the 24 hour access!  In the world of cyber-high school is never closed (as long as you can log in to your account).  I just enjoyed the fact that she could play catch-up in 2 of the courses she had fallen behind in. By email both teachers let me know the scoop about her progress.

Cyber games kids play - (when they s/be working)

The game my child plays is hiding her progress from me and herself to a degree. Remember the classes that you disliked so much that you waited until the last minute to do the work? I find her doing this a lot. Not sure yet how to help. I hope that her teachers will have some insight. One factor that has not changed even with online education is that teachers are still needed as communicators. The parents need to be in communication with them to know their child's true progress.