Homeschool Parent Tips

Why We Chose Florida Virtual School for Our Homeschooling Village

By Sofia and Monica on September 15th, 2022

A wise mentor once shared with us that, “It takes a village to raise a child!” We have spent our children’s entire lives filling our village with mentors that have helped them become the best versions of themselves.

We are so grateful we found our educational village in Florida Virtual School (FLVS). From the incredible partnerships we have developed with our children’s teachers, counselors, and even the executive team, to the amazing educational experiences their classes and clubs bring them, finding FLVS was a dream come true for our family!

Why This Family Chose Florida Virtual School for Their Homeschooling Village

By Florida Virtual School on June 28th, 2021

Written by Monica Cardoza, mom to 11-year-old Aiden Cardoza, and Sofia Borden, mom to 10-year-old Sylar Borden, who are both FLVS Flex Homeschool Students

Celebrate Literacy Week 2017

By Dr. Jeanne Giardino on January 23rd, 2017

Photo Credit: Chronicle Books

Each year the state of Florida and FLVS dedicates one full week to celebrate all things literacy.

Appropriately titled “Celebrate Literacy Week,” the entire state joins together to share their love for literacy through activities that include reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking!

Celebrate Literacy Week is presented by Just Read Florida and the Florida Department of Education to remind everyone that “Literacy Changes the World.”

Now in its seventh year, Celebrate Literacy Week allows school districts and families to engage in fun activities that bring the community together for the love of reading.

The Just Read Florida website provides a comprehensive list of activities that all families can enjoy during this event. They even include a printable bookmark to help us all keep our place as we read, read, read! Did you know that the more a child is exposed to print and books the more successful a reader they will be as they grow? Continue reading

12 Months of Life Skills for Student Success

By Guest Blogger on January 13th, 2017

As we start a new year, educators and parents all have a common goal for 2017 – to ensure that our children have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful for college and a future career.

What if we each set a goal to teach our students one skill a month?

If all of our students put this plan into action today, can you imagine the impact we could make on our future generation?

Today’s workplace values creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. Managing time, setting goals, handling stress, and a variety of other skills can help students succeed in all of these areas.

Ready to get started? Check out the guide below and set reminders on your phone or calendar to help you stay on track. Continue reading

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

Using Hamilton the Musical in the Classroom

By Guest Blogger on September 28th, 2016

The winner of the 2016 Tony for Best Musical was “Hamilton,” an untraditional, hip-hop musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda about the life of Alexander Hamilton.

The popularity of this musical is impossible to deny – and the most amazing thing is that this hip-hop soundtrack to a founding father’s life has captivated teenagers in a way perhaps no other musical ever has before.

There is no denying this musical crosses age and cultural gaps and has brought a new love for musical theater that is refreshing and powerful. Many teachers are using this incredible soundtrack to start discussions about our history and to reinvent how students study such an important time period.

It is possible teachers of any content could use Hamilton’s addictive appeal to energize their classrooms, but I will share some ideas specifically for English and History teachers. Continue reading