Helping Your Child Become a Better Public Speaker

While public speaking is not a popular subject for most students, it’s a vital skill to learn. It helps with everything from self-advocacy and confidence to academic and career success. The skills involved in public speaking don’t come to most people naturally, but you can help your child develop them so they can speak clearly and with confidence. Read on for tips for helping your child build this important skill. 

Start with Confidence

Public speaking scares most people. In fact, it’s one of the most common fears. Helping your child overcome this common form of anxiety starts with building their confidence. Praise their effort and courage when they practice their speaking skills, and let them know when you’re seeing progress. Reduce pressure by allowing them to practice at the same time and in the same place. A familiar environment can be soothing and help your child warm up for the real speech. Go over calming techniques, like deep breathing, grounding exercises and positive affirmations, that they can easily practice before getting on stage. 

Practice to Build Skills

One challenge students have with public speaking is not fully understanding the material. Broaching an intimidating subject in a speech is hard work, but it’s often part of the challenge. Consider giving your child warm-up talks to start with before diving into research. Maybe they can give a “mini speech” for 30-60 seconds on their favorite book or the most exciting thing they learned in school during the week. Record these talks, and listen to them together. Give kind but constructive feedback. As they start to build confidence, practice tools like adding in transitions and ensuring there’s a beginning, middle and end to the speech. 

Remember the Core Speaking Skills 

The most difficult part of public speaking is that it’s not just talking to an audience. There are several aspects your child must consider simultaneously to ensure that their speech goes off without a hitch. Make sure to cover each of the following aspects of speechmaking with your child:

• Giving the speech a clear structure

• Speaking clearly with a strong voice

• Using confident body language

• Making audience-appropriate word choices

• Handling questions in a clear, coherent way

Try Real-world Speaking Opportunities

The best way to become a better public speaker is through practice. Fortunately, children and teens have plenty of opportunities for public speaking, from school clubs and library programs to science fairs and debates. Find something that inspires your child, and encourage them to become an active participant. As they grow into leadership roles and become more active in their small communities, public speaking will begin to come naturally. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we encourage our students to use their unique voices to make a difference in the world. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

How Integrating Arts in Education Enhances Learning

Students can learn about the same subjects in different ways. They can learn to memorize facts and figures without any outside context, or lessons can incorporate additional perspectives. One way to help expand students’ understanding of the material they are learning and the world around them is by integrating the arts into their education. Read on to learn about the different ways the arts enhance learning. 

Deeper Understanding and Retention

In early learning, kinesthetic assignments are common, as students are learning how to use items like crafting supplies, crayons and pencils to create something new. As students grow older, integrating arts into their learning might look more like relating a period of history to powerful art or music that further illustrates the time period. All of these lead to a deeper understanding of core subjects, allowing students to see them from multiple perspectives. 

Stronger Critical Thinking and Problem-solving

When the arts are integrated into core subjects, students are challenged to think differently. Viewing multiple perspectives leads to better critical thinking, rather than black-and-white thinking that can come from learning purely through facts and figures. This makes it easier for students to approach problems creatively and feel empowered to solve them. 

Communication and Collaboration Skills

The arts are all about communication and collaboration. Arts classes encourage students to find ways to improve on their creative work, which often happens by a combination of imitation and practice. Visual art students learn to critique each other’s work in a constructive way, making each project collaborative. Music and acting students learn techniques that help them improve their crafts, then practice those to hone their skills. 

Confidence, Belonging, and Student Voice

Arts classes can be humbling at first, especially when students do not feel naturally talented. However, as students see the power of practice to help them improve, their confidence often increases. With every project or performance, students work together toward similar goals, giving them a sense of accomplishment and belonging. The arts allow students to express their individuality, even in a room full of students with similar interests and skills. 

Real-world Readiness 

Integrating arts and education helps students learn crucial soft skills, helping them prepare for the real world. For those looking to pursue a career in the arts, classes in these subjects can give them opportunities to preview life after graduation by building portfolios, participating in exhibitions, giving performances and participating in client-style projects. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we believe the arts are valuable to all students, whether or not they decide to pursue creative careers after graduation. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Prepare for Going Away to College

The journey from high school graduation to college move-in is exhilarating, but it’s often packed with deadlines and emotional milestones. For NTCA seniors and their families, these months are a time to prepare for a life-changing transition. Preparation isn’t just about packing suitcases; it’s about preparing your mind, managing logistics, and maintaining the values that guided your time in high school. Here is our guide to help seniors and their families navigate the final steps before heading off to college.

Master the Logistics

Don’t let the excitement overshadow the vital paperwork! Make sure to complete all verifications and documentation requested by the university. Make sure your scholarships, loans, and grants are accepted and disbursed correctly. Double-check that your official high school transcripts are sent to your college’s admissions office over the summer.

Another thing to consider is that college health services often require extensive documentation, especially immunization records. Gather these records now and ensure all necessary forms are submitted well before the deadline. This preparation can help avoid stress once you are away from home. 

Pack Practically

Plan and prepare the practical aspects of the move to avoid stress in August! If you have a roommate, connect early. Coordinate with those who will bring items like a refrigerator, rug, and coffee maker. This way, you avoid doubling up on large items. When packing, think about the limited space available in a dorm room. Prioritize storage under the bed, rolling carts, and wall shelves. Pack less than you think you need; you can always buy the necessary items later.

Focus on Emotional Readiness

NTCA graduates are prepared academically, but the biggest challenge is often the emotional transition and maintaining faith outside of a familiar environment. Have open conversations with your parents about maintaining the core values of your faith and moral compass, especially when they’re challenged. Discuss how to find a church or campus ministry group in the college environment. Make sure to establish a realistic communication plan with your parents before you leave. This can help set healthy boundaries and help you remember to check in when you’re busy. 

Always make sure to leverage your NTCA resources. Talk to your current teachers or counselors about any anxieties regarding course load or campus life. We are here to help you cross the finish line. Congratulations, Titans! Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with this exciting next step. Want to learn more about our programs and the success of our graduates? Find more information about NTCA on our website or call us at (813) 991-0801.

Starting the Year Off with a Focus on Faith

The transition back to school routines in January can sometimes be hard. As we step into the New Year, this is the perfect opportunity for NTCA families to establish habits that reinforce our core Christian values and ensure that faith remains the compass for the year ahead. 

Setting goals for academic success is important, but cultivating spiritual health helps the entire family thrive. Here are a few simple, practical ways parents can help their families start the year with a renewed focus on discipleship. Here are a few tips on how to start 2026 with a focus on faith.

Establish Morning Intentionality

The morning rush can be chaotic, but starting the day with intentionality can shift the family’s focus from stress to peace. Instead of trying to squeeze in a long devotion, choose a single Bible verse for the week. Post it on the fridge or a sticky note by the door. As your child heads out, briefly discuss what that verse means for their day. 

You can also deepen your relationship with your child through faith-driven conversation starters. Instead of asking, “Did you finish your homework?” try asking, “What is one thing you are praying for today?” These types of questions shift the focus from performance to spiritual readiness. 

Practice Gratitude as a Habit

A focus on gratitude shifts attention away from what the world demands and toward what God provides. Make it a routine to ask each family member. Ask each person, “What are you grateful for today?” or “How did you feel God’s presence today?” This encourages your family to actively look for God’s presence and opportunities for service.

You could also dedicate a simple jar to notes of gratitude. Anytime someone in the family experiences a blessing, big or small, write it down on a piece of paper and drop it in. Open the jar together mid-year or at the end of this year to remember God’s faithfulness.

Connect Faith to Daily Learning

Help your child see that their education is not separate from their faith; it is informed by it. When helping with homework or discussing a challenging situation, reference the school’s core values. For example, if they are working on a difficult project, remind them about the diligence required for good stewardship. If they are facing conflict, remind them what it means to be a good person by seeking peace.

You can also explore history and science in relation to faith. Discuss the faith background of important scientists, artists, or historical figures. This reinforces the idea that intellectual curiosity and faith can coexist and drive educational innovation.

Prioritize Community Worship

Making faith a priority outside the home reinforces its importance in your child’s life. Establish that Sunday morning worship is a non-negotiable family commitment. Modeling this commitment shows your children that growing in faith is a priority, not an option.

Another way to show commitment to worship is to engage in service together. Look for simple, daily friendly service projects to commit to early in the year. This could be volunteering at a food bank or preparing care packages. Service is where faith moves into action, and doing it together is a powerful spiritual lesson.

We look forward to partnering with you in the New Year to help your child grow in wisdom and faith. A strong start at home creates success in the classroom! Want to learn more about our programs or faith development? Visit our website and connect with NTCA today!

What You Can Do About Cyberbullying

In today’s digital world, children spend a significant amount of time in online spaces. While these platforms offer incredible opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, they also carry serious risks. For many children, one of the most serious risks is cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices. It can happen on social media, gaming platforms, texts, or emails. Because it can happen 24/7 and often anonymously, it can feel inescapable for the victim. If you suspect your child is being targeted, knowing what steps to take is crucial for their safety and emotional well-being.

What Parents Can Do

The most important responsibility you have is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for your child to share what they’re experiencing. Your child may be embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid of losing access to their devices if they tell you they’re being bullied online. Listen to them without judgment. Your first goal should be to reassure them you are there to help. Let them know that being bullied is never their fault, and focus on their feelings.

While tempting, immediately confiscating their device can make your child reluctant to share future problems, as often, their social life is tied to the device. You need their cooperation to gather evidence and monitor the situation. Before deleting anything, save the evidence. Capture images of posts, messages, comments, or emails. Make sure the date, time, and username of the sender are visible. Instruct your child not to retaliate or engage with the messages, even though they are painful to receive.

Once the evidence is secured, it’s time to take action on the platforms themselves. Use the settings on the app to immediately block the cyberbullies. This will cut off direct communication. Every major social media site has a reporting tool for harassment and bullying. Use this tool to officially report the content to the platform.

Informing Your Child’s School

Even if cyberbullying happens off-campus, it often affects the student’s ability to thrive at school. Inform NTCA as soon as you have documented the evidence. We take bullying very seriously and will take appropriate action to support our students. Addressing this behavior within the school community is a priority to ensure a safe environment for all students.

If the bullying has significantly impacted your child’s self-esteem or mental health, seek a qualified mental health professional to support them.

Promoting Digital Stewardship

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we emphasize that being a good steward extends to how we interact in digital spaces. To prevent future cyberbullying incidents, fostering an environment of digital stewardship is essential. Here are some things you can do to promote a positive use of technology at home:

• Set clear expectations and rules about screentime, apps, and appropriate online behaviors.

• Maintain an open dialogue with your child. Talk to them about what they are seeing and experiencing online, treating their digital life as seriously as their physical one.

• Model good behavior. Demonstrate kindness, respect, and emotional regulation in your own online interactions.

By staying engaged and partnering with the school, we can help our children navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence, kindness, and integrity. For more information about our Bullying Prevention Program and what you can do to help prevent bullying at our school, visit our website.