Your First Day at BMS

You made it to the first day of class, hopefully you are feeling excited to get started with us!

Getting set up with the right supplies is key to starting the school year smoothly from home. This section will help you gather everything your child needs, like a good internet connection, a comfy and quiet place to work, basic supplies such as pens and notebooks, and any special tools or tech suggested by the school. By organizing these items ahead of time, your child will feel all set and excited to dive into their online learning adventure!

Prepare your child's study area

When you're attending school online, having a well-organized workspace makes a big difference. A dedicated study area helps you stay focused, avoid distractions, and get into the right mindset for learning. When your space is comfortable and everything you need is within reach, it’s easier to stay on track, succeed in your classes, and enjoy the online learning experience.

Setting up your workspace

Watch this short video on how to get your space set up for school, it's important to get yourself ready to learn just like you would in a brick-and-mortar school

Use a Laptop or Computer with a keyboard

When joining class, it's important for your child to use a laptop or PC with a keyboard. This ensures they can fully engage with their learning since many of the sites and apps we use aren't compatible with phones or tablets. A laptop or PC also allows for simultaneous use of multiple tabs or applications, facilitating research and collaboration. Additionally, a keyboard provides a more comfortable typing experience for assignments.

We also do not recommend the use of Chromebooks, as they are not compatible with all of our learning apps and we want your child to get the most out of all their classes with us. See below for the specifications we recommend:

For a laptop, at least an Intel Core i5 or i7, 8GB RAM, 256 GB of memory, and 1080 pixels or higher.
For a desktop computer, at least an Intel Core i4 at least, the same RAM, 500 GB internal memory, and Microsoft Windows 10 above.

Set Up a Quiet Study Space

Creating a quiet place for your student, like a desk in their room or the kitchen table, is important for helping them focus without distractions. Using this same spot every day helps them build a routine, making it easier to concentrate and do well in school. Keep their study area organized so they can find things easily and have more time to study. Make sure their space is comfortable with good light and a comfy chair to help them stay focused during school activities.

Make sure you have a fast internet connection

A fast and stable internet connection is important for online school because it ensures smooth video classes, quick downloading and uploading of assignments, and easy use of learning tools. It also helps with participating in activities and communicating with teachers without interruptions. Overall, a good connection makes online learning easier and more enjoyable for students.

If you aren't sure what your internet speed is you can check using a speed checker like this one, www.speedtest.net. And don't worry if yours is a little slow, you can try out some of the tips from this article, like restarting your router or switching WiFi bands.

For younger students, supervise at first

For younger students, it's helpful for parents to supervise them during the first day of online school or until they feel confident in their ability to participate independently. This helps your child get familiar with the online platform, understand how to join classes, and learn how to navigate various tools and resources. Your support initially provides a sense of security and makes sure that any technical issues or questions are addressed promptly. As your child becomes more comfortable and proficient, they will gain confidence in managing their online learning on their own. Our goal is for your child to eventually feel capable and independent in their online school environment.

Useful Materials for School

When doing school online, you must have all the supplies you need available, the most important being a laptop/computer with a working keyboard and mouse, alongside a camera and microphone. However, other materials can still be useful for online learning.

Essential Supplies

a laptop/computer
a keyboard and mouse (if using computer, integrated in a laptop)
a working camera and microphone

Recommended Supplies

Headphones or earbuds
Ergonomic chair- for maintaining good posture during long study sessions
Notebooks or a binder with paper for different subjects
Pencils, erasers, and pens
Colored pencils or markers
Ruler
A planner or digital calendar for time management and organization

Useful Supplies

Stylus and Digital Drawing Table - so your child can annotate directly on to worksheets
Printer - for printing off resources, if you child prefers to work on paper
Sticky notes - for reminders, organizing thoughts, or marking pages
Timer or stopwatch- for time management and focused work sessions
Desk organizer -for keeping supplies tidy and easily accessible
Mini whiteboard or chalkboard -for personal reminders or creative breaks

Elementary School Additions

Crayons
Basic calculator

Middle and High School Additions

Compass and protractor (for geometry)
Scientific calculator

Supporting Your Child's Unique Needs

If your child has additional needs, they might benefit from some extra equipment to help them focus and learn comfortably. For example:

Blue light glasses can ease eye strain from screens, making it easier for them to concentrate.
An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can make typing more comfortable
Fidget toys can help them stay calm and focused by giving them something to do with their hands.

You know your child best, so trust your instincts about what might help them thrive in their new learning environment. It is also helpful to check in with them after a few days of class to see if there is anything they think would make learning more comfortable.

Ask your teacher if you aren't sure

The best person to ask about what your child needs in terms of supplies in the classroom will be their class teacher, as we give our teachers the freedom to individualize their course to fit student needs.

You can ask them during your meet and greet, or send them a message using Toddle once you've got that set up.

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