6 Tips for Building Socialization Skills for Virtual Students

As online education has grown, an increasing number of families are aware of the academic and professional benefits. But what about building social skills? Perhaps surprisingly to some, research shows that virtual students are just as socially adept as traditional in-person learners. In fact, some aspects of online education actually lead to better socialization skills.

 

This is partly explained by the fact that building social skills for virtual students requires a more active, purposeful approach. It’s often assumed that students at traditional brick-and-mortar schools will simply build their social groups around their in-person daily interactions with peers.

 

But online learners are encouraged to intentionally seek out social opportunities both in and out of the school environment. This teaches them essential social skills that will help them make and maintain meaningful connections even after they graduate.

 

Keep reading to discover how to build social skills in online learners and the opportunities for socialization, fun, and community at SLC!

What Are Socialization Skills and Why Are They Important?

Socialization skills are the tools we use to interact effectively and positively with those around us. We socialize in the world in many ways, including verbally, through body language, and through understanding social norms and cues.

 

Social skills are important for many reasons. Not only do they improve our relationships with other people, but they also give us the confidence and knowledge to succeed in many different areas of life. From personal relationships, to everyday encounters, to our professional and academic success, socialization skills are an essential part of the human experience.

 

Teachers and parents have seen painfully shy students engage with more ease in virtual classrooms because they create the comfort level which allows them to navigate social opportunities at their pace. 

How Social Skills Are Built

While you can learn about the mechanics of social skills, the best way to build them is to consistently interact with others. Childhood and adolescence are especially vital stages of life for developing social skills. Children learn about the world and how to navigate it through their connections with those around them. 

 

From spending time with family and friends to engaging with popular media and interacting with teachers and peers at school, childhood socialization is crucial to developing healthy relationships and confidence in adulthood. For teens, meaningful connections with peers are an essential ingredient needed to build a sense of purpose and develop an identity.

 

Traditional in-person learners often naturally form friendships with their classmates as a result of seeing them every single day. However, relying too heavily on these spaces for social time can serve as a distraction from schoolwork during the day. It also doesn’t prepare kids for the reality that maintaining friendships after graduation depends on how intentional they are in setting aside time for friends, joining groups, and meeting new people.

1. Schedule Playdates

Setting up playdates with other children is one of the best ways to help your online student develop their social skills. Contrary to popular belief, playdates can be beneficial both in-person and online. You can schedule fun playdates with friends, cousins, and classmates. You can also take trips out of the house to kid-friendly places to help your child meet potential playmates.

 

2. Participate in Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering as a family isn’t just a great way to build your child’s social skills. It’s also perfect for instilling values such as empathy, selflessness, and compassion. Whether you’re planting trees, providing food for people in need, or taking care of animals, there are so many ways for your child to socialize and learn valuable skills for the future.

 

By making friends through volunteering, you’re also interacting with like-minded people who share your values and have a desire to help the community in positive ways.

 

3. Enroll in Extracurriculars

Extracurriculars are a great way for kids and teens to spend time with peers who have similar interests. With so many extracurricular activities like sports, art or music classes, and theater groups, you’re guaranteed to find something that your child connects with and enjoys.

 

At SLC, we offer enrichment classes for K-12 online students and at the Eagle Creek campus. They provide a great opportunity to engage with supplemental materials and work with peers in person or virtually. We also offer annual and semi-annual trips to local museums, concert halls, and other places where students can meet and make friends.

 

But it’s important to remember that there’s a whole social world outside of school activities as well. There are many local clubs, activity groups, community events, and youth organizations that aren’t affiliated with academics. These can be excellent places for kids and teens to make friends and build social skills outside of school.

 

4. Try Role Playing

Building a social foundation starts in the home. If your child or teen is especially shy or struggles with social anxiety, practicing social skills through role-playing exercises can be a great way to break the ice. For example, you could take on the role of a friend, classmate, or teacher. This way, when your child is in a real social situation, they can feel confident knowing they’ve had practice.

5. Get Involved with Field Trips and Summer Camps

Field trips and summer camps offer unique opportunities for kids to 1) Engage in active play, 2) practice independence in a safe environment, and 3) interact with new friends. Many field-trip destinations and summer camps also have educational opportunities built in. 

 

Here are some fun field trip ideas that encourage learning and social-skill building in online students:

• A botanical garden
• The zoo
• A science or history museum
• An art workshop
• The planetarium
• A police or fire station tour
• The aquarium

6. Set an Example by Being Actively Social Yourself

Children imitate the things we do as adults. From our work ethic to how we treat those around us, children learn by example and copy our behavior. That’s why, if you want to encourage socialization in your child, one of the best things you can do is lead by example. 

 

Seek out new friendships, actively engage with your coworkers and neighbors, and consider joining a club or volunteering at a local charity. Your child will likely see you engaging with the outside world in a positive way and naturally emulate your behavior by being more social themselves.

How Socialization Is Built Into SLC’s Educational Framework

SLC is a virtual academy. We believe strongly in the value of online education for many students and families. But in addition to the academic benefits of virtual schooling, we see socialization and group collaboration as essential components of a good education. 

 

That’s why we provide an abundance of engagement opportunities for students of all ages, including annual trips to OMSI and multiple trips to the Arlene Schnitzer or Keller Auditorium for events like ballets or classical concerts. We also put a great deal of time and planning into fun events like our high-school “welcome back” event, our annual end-of-year Awards luncheon for seniors, our Bullwinkles SENIOR day, and many others. 

 

In addition, our incredible team of advisors and other support staff are here to offer guidance, resources, and understanding to each and every SLC student. We’re not just here to oversee your academic progress. We’re also here to help you find success and fulfillment in the opportunities you want to pursue and ensure you build the valuable skills you’ll need throughout your life.

Summit Learning Charter Is Dedicated To Fostering Student Socialization Skills

As a virtual academy, we understand that many parents have concerns about their child’s social development when attending online school. That’s why we make social interaction and collaboration a priority in both our courses and enrichment opportunities.

 

If you think online learning is right for your child, Summit Learning Charter provides a quality education and a positive environment for each and every student.

 

Learn more about our virtual academy and contact us online to get your questions answered!