Top 10 Super Simple Organizational Tips to Prep for Online School and Distance Learning

Are you trying to simplify your life with organizational tips for online school, distance learning or homeschooling?

If you are like most parents, you already operate at a high level of stress and are busy with day-to-day life. Now, you have the added responsibility of overseeing online school or distance learning for your kid(s). The idea can be utterly overwhelming.

Getting organized can be a lifesaver. It can truly help you and your kids maintain your sanity throughout online homeschooling and distance learning.

The trouble is, it can be hard to know where and how to start and which organizational tips for online school and prep can really help. The best news? It’s actually not that complicated and I can teach you 10 simple organizational tips in the next few minutes.

I’ve personally used all these tips. As a working mom, the thing I DON’T want to happen is to receive a phone call or text from my kids with a problem during a conference call or an important meeting. The first thing I DO want to happen is for my kids to become problem solvers and (spoiler alert)- leave me alone during work.

Here’s how to get organized for online school or distance learning.

1. Have a place for each child’s school ‘stuff’.

This is so simple but an easy way to get started and feel accomplished from the get go. Honestly, have a place for everything and keep everything in that place. Spend the time upfront to save time later…

It may sound crazy, but if you kids tend to move from room to room with their school stuff (mine do), have them use a backpack to cart their gear around. At the end of the day, set a timer or play a song and everyone spend 5-10 minutes returning stuff where it goes.

2. Create folders in Google drive.

Regardless of your child’s age, I recommend creating a Google account and making folders for each subject. Need tutorials on how to do this? This resource is completely free and very easy to follow.

3. Make a password list.

I recommend creating a separate password list with any and all passwords your child might need and hanging it for them for easy access. Even if you have a family password book, it is helpful to have a single document with all the ‘school’ type passwords that kids can easily access.

4. Add any courses, school links, or important websites to favorites.

Get that computer or device as ready as you can with favorites for easy access. This is also a great time to add any Google Chrome extensions you want your child to use.

5. Order or reserve books and supplies.

If you are using private online school, you may need to purchase books and materials. Check out the syllabus and supply list as early as possible. Easy ways to access books include:

• Your local library (hard copies and e-books)
• Amazon (you can even get used copies sometimes)
• Epic App (for younger kids, check if the title is available)
• Discount School Supplies have some fantastic items in bulk

6. Create a folder on devices for educational apps.

Whether your kids have their own devices or use one of yours, create a folder to put all of the relevant educational apps. This will come in handy when you are busy and your child wants to ‘play’ on a device- you can steer them to the educational folder…

7. Make a homework log.

This can be super simple- literally a three column table with the class name, homework, and date due. This is a great way for your littles to learn how to make a table in Google docs and for your older children to be self-accountable.

8. Set a reminder on your paper calendar or e-calendar for Sunday night prep.

Print materials for the week on Sunday nights and place in order for the week. If you prefer to do this nightly, make yourself or your child a reminder to do so…just don’t wait until class starts to need to print the notes or information.

9. Decide on a time for daily check-ins with each child.

Depending on the age of your child, you may want multiple check-ins per day (they can be short). This will teach your child to make a list of what they need help with…often, they will figure it out before Check-In time! It also is a great time for them to show-off to you what they have been working on or learned that morning or afternoon.

10. Set reminders for any live classes on your e-calendar or device.

It’s easy for kids to get caught up in their work and not realize what time it is. Avoid missing live sessions with double-reminders. We use Google calendar in our family so we add live sessions WITH a reminder 10 minutes before the course starts. We also set alarms on our Amazon Alexa 10 minutes before the course begins.

That brings me to the bonus– always have your kids log-in 10 minutes before a live-course if possible. This allows them to manage any tech issues or problems without creating undue stress.

Want MORE tips and detailed guidance?

Check out our E-Course, Distance Learning Optimized, to get fully prepped for the school year in just 7 days (or even faster if you choose)…

Other Helpful Resources:

Learn how to use Outschool as a Supplement to Distance Learning…

Find out the mistakes I’ve made so you don’t make the same ones as a working mom….

Read through our 35 Tips for Working and Homeschooling..

And finally, check out our favorite resources!

Getting organized for online school and distance learning will save you lots of headaches each and EVERY day.