Parent Edition
Meet FLVS Student Sarah Garvis
By Guest Blogger on May 8th, 2014
She’s the History Club President, a Young Marine Corporal, and about to hold a Bachelors of Theology degree before her own high school diploma. Who is this superstar? It’s Florida Virtual School student Sarah Garvis!
Sarah has been taking classes with FLVS since she was in middle school and has recently concluded her coursework with the Law Studies course.
“I have always been fascinated by government and I have such a high respect for it. I admire how the government systems run and this class taught me so much!” said Sarah.
Continue reading
Celebrating Teachers
By Guest Blogger on May 3rd, 2014
Mark your calendars! National Teacher Appreciation Day is this Tuesday, May 6, 2014.
As educators, we recognize the value of education and learning year round and we work hard every day to pass these ideals along to our students. National Teacher Day, which falls during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3-9, 2014), is a wonderful opportunity to remind the larger community of the value teachers bring to our lives and the lives of children. Continue reading
If You’re an Introvert, Yell “I”!
By Guest Blogger on April 30th, 2014
“I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” – Albert Einstein
Educators have been using the Myers-Briggs Type Indictor (MBTI) for years to identify the personality types and learning styles inside their classrooms and to meet the diverse needs of their students. A student’s interests and way of learning directly determines how he/she will see and make sense of the world. If a teacher and a student are both aware of their own unique learning styles, communication and learning will be positively impacted.
Teachers who understand the different personality types and learning styles in their classroom can approach the same lesson in multiple ways to reach multiple students capable of multiple intelligences. Continue reading
Make the Choice to Move Forward
By Amy LaGrasta on April 24th, 2014
Stop and think about your life’s journey so far.
Some of us are just getting started on school, many are at the beginning of our careers, and others are nearing retirement. The reality for all of us is that every choice we make and action we take has gotten each of us to where we are today. You, and you alone, are responsible for your happiness or unhappiness, success or failure.
Fate and luck are of no consequence. Accepting personal responsibility is the first step to success. It is the only requirement needed to achieve goals. If you say things like, “it’s not my fault” or “life is unfair,” then you have not yet accepted responsibility for your actions.
It is not too late or too hard to change.
Research Colleges like a Pro
By Guest Blogger on April 22nd, 2014
No matter where you are on your college exploration path, there is a tool that can help you with your research.
The National Center for Education Statistics offers a free college research site that does exactly what its slogan says: “Find the right college for you.”
Using the College Navigator Search Options on the left-side panel of this helpful website, you can search for information about colleges in multiple ways. This blog post walks you through a few features you might find handy.
Get started by visiting the College Navigator online.
Got Grit?
By Elise Harris on April 17th, 2014
Bright eyed and bushy tailed I moved right from graduation to teaching geography, reading, and running a computer lab. Everyone said, your light will dim and your focus will change. Well, they were wrong.
Let the record show, that was some 10 years ago and my intentions have not changed, but have only grown stronger and more awesome. Why? Because I “got” grit and I teach my students to have grit.
How else can I prepare my students to function in the interconnected online global world that is full of competition? By never stopping to achieve their goals – that’s how! Do not be pushed down in the face of adversity. Remember, it is okay and even good to make mistakes; this is how we learn. Stand up for what you believe in. If you get knocked down, get up! Life can be hard and hurtful. Learn from this and get back to work.
Brick by Brick
By Guest Blogger on April 15th, 2014
My brother David who has autism is one of the most caring and sweet people you will ever meet. Many people are surprised at this because they think that having autism means that you don’t show much emotion, or that you keep to yourself. In reality, David loves being around people and he wears his heart on his sleeve, so it’s usually pretty easy to see how he’s feeling (and why). Part of this is because he doesn’t guard his emotions, and you know what? I really admire that.
Openly showing emotion is often seen as a weakness. While it’s true that there are limits, overall I think it’s a strength to have the confidence to let your guard down. You aren’t afraid to have people see you as you really are in that moment. It also means that you can receive the love and support that you need from the people that you love.
Cows, Hens, and Ducks…OH MY!
By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on April 7th, 2014
The Importance of Children’s Picture Books in Kindergarten—Grade 12
“Once upon a time…”
I always get chills when I read these first few words contained in many children’s books. The words bring me back to a simpler time when reading was filled with colorful illustrations, playful words, and the promise of happily ever after. Continue reading
Can a Caveman Teach Kids to be Healthier?
By Guest Blogger on April 4th, 2014
Can a caveman teach kids better eating and exercise habits?
The team at Florida Virtual School is betting he can. They’ve defrosted Cave Bro as part of an entertaining new game concept designed to teach kids how to make better nutritional choices. Cave Bro has been frozen for more than 30,000 years, so needless to say he’s hungry and will eat anything. It’s up to players to decide what he eats, how much, and how often. Good choices win. Bad choices create one really cranky caveman.
The concept originated as part of the new Health and PE course development, but after working with Fablevision to develop a playable prototype and testing it with kids, the team quickly realized this amusing game could teach good nutrition and exercise habits in ways teachers and parents never could. Continue reading
Admirable Women: A Reflection
By Darcey Addo on April 2nd, 2014
Sandra Day O’Connor once said, “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone. Whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life…” During March, the world celebrated Women’s History Month – honoring and recognizing the greatness of the women that contribute to our accomplishments and celebrating the legacy of that greatness upon which we stand.
My story contains many threads, but today I celebrate just a few of the remarkable women who stand out and help me aspire to greatness.
I recall learning about Susan B. Anthony as a fourth grader. I remember learning that she was told she did not need to learn math because she was a girl. I was a feisty 10-year-old and that riled me up, probably as much as it riled up Susan B. Anthony. Continue reading