Elementary
Homeschooling: The Big Question
By Guest Blogger on December 26th, 2016
Choosing to homeschool was not something I initially chose.
Sometimes, I think it chose me. At the age of 2, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Although the illness is very serious, I truly thought that schooling at the local public school near our home was going to be just fine. After all, I successfully attended public school growing up, so I really didn’t think it would be that different.
Sadly, I was shocked to discover just how much things had changed since I was a child. Within the first two weeks of Kindergarten starting at the local brick-and-mortar school, I found myself having to withdraw my child from public school and enroll him into Florida Virtual School. The bottom line was that the brick-and-mortar school could not truly handle my son’s diabetes, and homeschooling appeared to be the solution.
The idea of homeschooling my son seemed to be rather intimidating, scary, and far-fetched. Continue reading
Meet the FLVS Flex Elementary Principal
By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on October 21st, 2016
We are celebrating the 2016-17 school year with a blog series featuring FLVS faculty and staff. Meet the creative and dedicated individuals who make every day a great day at FLVS!
Did you know that FLVS has a new FLVS Flex elementary program for grades Kindergarten – Grade 5?
It’s true! The program is even up for an award for its innovative online “Class Time.” (Vote for us on Facebook here through Oct. 31!)
Leading this innovative program is Sarah Sprinkel who serves as its principal and biggest cheerleader. She was one of the program developers working with a team of FLVS administrators, curriculum specialists, school counselors, and teachers to create a virtual education experience that personalizes online elementary curriculum for each and every student enrolled.
Sarah brings her years of experience inspiring elementary school students as a classroom teacher as well as working with school districts on their policies and government relations to enhance early childhood education. As FLVS Elementary program principal, she uses her diverse leadership experiences to ensure the school is exceeding the expectations for the students. Sarah works closely with her dedicated staff of instructors, support staff, and advisors looking forward to expanding the virtual program.
I am honored to share with you my interview with Sarah Sprinkel. Continue reading
Blueprints for Building Community
By Guest Blogger on August 11th, 2016
When I share with people (especially those who are teaching in traditional classrooms) that I’ve shifted into high gear preparing for a new year with my students, I must admit, I’ve gotten a lot of puzzled looks and questions, like “What exactly do you need to do? I mean, you teach virtually.”
Before I answer (or take offense), I take a relaxed breath and smile.
Because, like them, exactly one year ago, I didn’t have a clue.
So how do virtual elementary teachers prepare for a new crop of eager learners? Luckily, for all the new teachers just starting this adventure, the blueprint is surprisingly similar to a brick-and-mortar school. The 2016-17 year kicked off this past week by building community. Continue reading
Coding Workshops Help Elementary Teachers Revolutionize Classrooms
By Guest Blogger on July 13th, 2016
Back in 2013, twin brothers Hadi and Ali Partovi started Code.org with the goal of expanding access to computer science to all students.
Their vision is that “every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science.” They also believe that computer science “should be part of core curriculum, alongside other courses such as biology, chemistry or algebra.”
Since that time, Code.org has blossomed into a full organization that supports access to computer science for students of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Continue reading
Redefining the Three Rs
By Guest Blogger on June 17th, 2016
Relax, Refocus, and Recharge
Not long ago, I came across an online article 16 Signs You’re a Little (or a lot) Type A. The title is a bit of a contradiction because you are really not “Type A” but, as the article points out, you might be in that “spectrum of behaviors or traits.”
Now, before we go any further, I encourage you to read the article to find out if you are a little, or a lot, Type A. (In full disclosure, I LIVE 13 out of the 16 signs!)
The good news is that being “this way” can help you stay on task or give you job security, since it’s believed many employers are looking for us! The bad news is that this term was coined by a doctor who studied a connection between a certain type (A) person and heart problems. Yikes! Continue reading
This Year’s Biggest Surprises
By Guest Blogger on June 7th, 2016
The 2015-16 year for FLVS Flex Elementary students is coming to an end…
And what a GREAT year!
Our amazing Kindergarten – 5th grade students experience flexible and fun learning in a way that suits them. As a teacher, being a part of this amazing program has offered all kinds of opportunities to grow and connect.
So what were some of my biggest surprises this year? Continue reading
Celebrate Financial Literacy Month
By Guest Blogger on April 22nd, 2016
Too often, parents wait until their kids are teens to begin teaching financial skills.
However, kids as early as preschool can begin to learn proper financial literacy.
As parents, we tend to focus on ensuring our kids get a proper education in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. We sometimes forget that financial literacy is just as important to learn.
It’s never too early to start teaching your children about financial literacy. Continue reading
FLVS Elementary Opens Registration
By Guest Blogger on April 21st, 2016
Elementary students at FLVS enjoy a unique approach to virtual education.
Do you have a student, sibling, friend or family member in Kindergarten through 5th grade?
For families seeking a nontraditional or homeschool-friendly approach to elementary education, FLVS Elementary is an innovative program offering the added benefits of regular instruction from certified teachers, peer interaction, and online curriculum in core subject areas, including Reading, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Technology. Continue reading
The Power of Picture Books
By Guest Blogger on November 13th, 2015
On my day off this week, I find myself eagerly drafting my first blog post for FLVS because (as all writers understand) I not only enjoy writing, I need to write.
So given my literacy background and current position as a first grade teacher at FLVS, I think I’ve chosen the right topic for me and you, my readers. Author Randy Pausch eloquently says, “Your passion must come from the things that fuel you from the inside.”
My own children were quite young when I started my career in early childhood education, but it was clear to me then (and even clearer now) that I am passionate about beautiful picture books and quality children’s literature. Continue reading
Meet 3rd Grade Synchronized Swimmer Jennah
By Guest Blogger on June 18th, 2015
We love sharing our student stories with the FLVS community!
This week, we hear from Jennah H., a third grade student at Florida Virtual School Full Time (FLVS FT) who shares her love for both FLVS and synchronized swimming. Jenna started attending FLVS FT during the 2014-15 school year so that she could attend swimming practice more often. She has won every competition she entered this year – all while keeping straight A’s!
If you or your student is interested in sharing your FLVS experience with The Virtual Voice, drop us an email at socialmedia@flvs.net. Continue reading