HomeSTEM at Work: See What Learning Looks Like Here

What does a school day at HomeSTEM Academy actually look like?

It's a question we want families to ask.

When you are considering a virtual school for your child, you should be able to see more than a list of courses or a description of a

program. You should be able to picture your child learning there.

At HomeSTEM Academy, our classrooms may be virtual, but the learning, relationships, conversations, and challenges are very real.

It Starts With Real Teachers and Live Instruction

Our students meet with their teachers for live instruction throughout the week. These aren't simply recorded lessons that students

watch on their own.

Teachers explain concepts, ask questions, listen to students' thinking, lead discussions, and provide feedback.

And students participate.

Sometimes they know the answer immediately. Sometimes they need a minute to think. And sometimes they say, “I don't understand.”

We want all three to be okay.

Learning isn't about always having the correct answer. Part of learning is developing enough confidence to ask for help when

something doesn't make sense.

 

 

 

Then Learning Moves Beyond the Screen

One misconception about virtual school is that students must spend the entire school day on a computer.

We don't believe they should.

A live lesson may happen online, but students still need opportunities to read, write, calculate, build, investigate, and create.

Walk into the home of a HomeSTEM student during the school day and you may find a workbook open beside the computer, a novel

filled with sticky notes, a student solving a math problem on paper, or materials spread across a table for a science or STEM activity.

The computer is a tool. It shouldn't be the entire educational experience.

 

 

Small Classes Make a Difference

One of the things we value most about HomeSTEM is the opportunity to know our students.

In a smaller class, teachers can notice things that are easy to miss.

A student who normally participates suddenly becomes quiet.

A child who struggled with a concept last week finally gets it.

A student is ready for a greater challenge.

Those moments help teachers make decisions about what students need next.