One of the challenges for online students can be maintaining a healthy social life and finding homeschool connections with their peers. I remember struggling to find a social arena when I was homeschooled, and I hear my students echo this difficulty in their essays and assignments.

Home-based learning can present a unique challenge, because it can be difficult for online and homeschool students to find the right spaces to connect with their peers. It is difficult to find a balance, because some homeschool students are choosing to learn at home because they have had difficulties with their peers in the past. At the same time, we know that it is important for online students to connect with their peers, to have the opportunity to make and maintain friendships and to talk with other students their age. With this goal in mind, I would like to suggest four ways for online students to connect with their peers.

Deciding on essay topics is daunting. I remember sitting in front of my computer staring at a blank page, just wondering where to start. Even a fairly specific prompt usually leaves plenty of room for personal choices. So what happens if you are waiting for inspiration to strike, and it never does? The essay will still be due, that’s what.

As a student, I have come to realize that some of my best essay topics had to be dragged out of the compost at the bottom of my brain, rather than springing fully formed into existence, like crocuses in springtime.  As a teacher, I see it as my task to guide students toward essay topics that are interesting to them, that they can learn from, and that result in essays that they can feel proud of.

Part 2: How to prepare for a successful online school year

I promised to return with some more things to keep in might throughout the new school year.

Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

This Bible verse says it all. The most important thing to remember this school year is Who you are working for. Here are some helpful thoughts.

Part 1: How to prepare for a successful online school year

At the beginning of each school year many parents and students are asking many “how to”questions. How to get a good grade? How to write a good essay? How to prepare for a quiz or test? And the big one: how should I prepare for a successful online school year?

Instructions for how to prepare for the school year are often read then quickly forgotten. As the weeks go by the enthusiasm of starting a new school year fades in and out. This year will be the same, but I would like to emphasize some tips for preparing for a successful school year that are especially relevant to online students: 

As a new school year draws near, many of us seek inspiring back to school Bible verses. As with all of life’s endeavors, as graciously granted by the Father, Son, and Spirit, it is of the upmost importance to start off on the right foot in order to procure a successful and fruitful finish.

One way of entering the 2015-2016 school year in good form as parents, students, and teachers, is to begin with a biblical perspective. We have the wonderful privilege of fulfilling our end goal of glorifying God through bearing His image rightly wherein academic pursuits find their most glorious and rightful place.

As a student, you encounter many trials in your social, academic, and spiritual life. Though there are constant bombardments, isn’t it good to know that there are encouraging Bible verses for students throughout God’s Word?

Here are some encouraging Bible verses that you can post to your social media accounts (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.), print and use them as a bookmark or even use as your desktop background. We hope that you take courage with these verses: