The Virtual Voice

Elementary

8 Tips for Homeschooling Your Kindergartner

By on August 15th, 2019

As a virtual Kindergarten teacher, I work closely with homeschool families. After spending three years in this role, I’ve seen firsthand what works for students learning at home. Read on for my top tips for home education families with young children! Continue reading

Back-to-School Basics for Elementary Parents

By on August 2nd, 2019

It’s a teacher’s most wonderful time of the year – time to start a new school year! We’re ready to serve our Kindergarten through 5th Grade students with style and eager to help them strive for success!

FLVS Elementary has some information for getting this school year started off right. Parents and home educators play an important role in their child’s success at FLVS. Here are some ways to help your child feel fully supported at home. Continue reading

Building Elementary Relationships in a Virtual World

By on July 10th, 2019

When I first accepted a job with Florida Virtual School as a Kindergarten teacher (almost 3 years ago), I thought there was no way I’d be able to make the same connections with my students as I did in a brick-and-mortar school. I don’t see my students every day and my role as their teacher looks different than a traditional classroom teacher.

Continue reading

Saturday Science: Creating Lava Lamps

By on June 7th, 2019

Find Saturday Science instructions for creating your own lava lamp below!

Saturday Science is a monthly enrichment opportunity for FLVS elementary students and their families.

During these online sessions, we do an experiment together that helps us “see” and better understand various scientific concepts. Experiments are chosen to include materials commonly found at home or the local dollar store. A big emphasis is also placed on selecting experiments that require materials that might otherwise be thrown out after use, such as plastic water bottles, plastic bags, paper towel cardboard rolls, boxes, etc. Elementary students can perform the experiment live during time together or simply watch if they do not have the materials. All sessions are recorded so that if a student misses the “live” event or later acquires the materials, it can be viewed at any time.

As a teacher, it is my hope that Super Saturday Science helps create and/or deepen a love for science and hopefully plants a seed of interest that encourages our elementary students to pursue a career in science! Continue reading

5 Lessons Learned from Elementary Career Day

By on May 2nd, 2019

How many kids dream of becoming an astronaut as a child?

At this year’s FLVS Flex Elementary Career Day, NASA Astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher shared a story that was out-of-this-world and inspired kids to never give up on their dreams. Dr. Fisher served as a Mission Specialist on the STS-51A Discovery in 1984. She was just one of our special guests who recently came to visit the virtual classrooms of our elementary students.

Here are just a few of the lessons our students learned at Career Day! Continue reading

Brain Breaks for Online Elementary Students

By on April 11th, 2019

Brain breaks are a BIG part of most elementary classrooms that you will see today. These mental breaks help students refocus, get some wiggles out, and most importantly – have fun! 

Setting aside time for brain breaks is important in every classroom, especially in the virtual world where a lot of time is spent on the computer. We are always looking for ways to get our kids UP and MOVING!  Continue reading

Helping Our Captains Succeed with FLVS Elementary

By on March 12th, 2019

Learn more about one home educator’s FLVS Flex Elementary experience with her young student filmmakers and ambassadors dubbed “The Captains.” Whether your child has been enrolled for a few years or you’re new to FLVS, these tips can help your elementary student succeed!

As a mother and grandmother, the responsibility of educating our 8-year-old son, Captain A, and 7-year-old grandson, Captain SySy, weighs heavy on my heart and mind as their home educator. The world is not always a perfect place and people can be unkind, so our family strives every day to help our Captains be the best human beings they can be!

I am beyond grateful for our partnership with FLVS on our Captains’ education. The FLVS Flex Elementary team not only cares about making a difference and helping them to succeed in their educational lives, but also about their personal successes as future leaders. They have been a huge network of support in our Captains’ volunteering world.

The truth is, it isn’t always easy being a homeschool educator! Continue reading

Tips for Online Elementary School Success

By on February 25th, 2019

Have you ever wondered if your child could be successful taking online courses? Maybe you have enrolled your son or daughter, but now what? Embarking on an online schooling journey can be, and probably is, life-changing.

If your child is currently enrolled with FLVS Flex Elementary or you’re considering online learning for his or her education, we have put together some must-know tips to get the most out of your FLVS experience. Continue reading

6 Ways to Help Your FLVS Elementary Student

By on August 27th, 2018

As the author Thomas Fuller once said, “All things are difficult before they are easy.”

Whether your child is new to online learning or you are a returning FLVS elementary family, our team is here to help you navigate our new curriculum and find ways to best meet your son or daughter’s educational needs. Your teachers are here for you! Don’t hesitate to ask them for help. The Flex Elementary team is also hosting weekly welcome sessions to help families find their way. Have questions or feedback? Our administrative team would love to hear from you!

With this in mind, we wanted to share a few helpful tips for our online elementary parents.   Continue reading