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📖 they banned that??

It's banned book week!

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Banned Books Week 2023

For Banned Books Week, Natalie plays a game to guess why 5 children's books have been banned. Can you guess the answer?

Newsletter

🎃 5 fall holidays to teach your kids about that aren't Halloween

Happy fall! Autumn is a time of year loved around the world. Here, stateside we usually hear about Halloween and Thanksgiving, but there are so many unique festivals celebrated this time of year. If you're already tired of hearing about "spooky scary skeletons" this is for you!

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Does my child HAVE to go to preschool? | Preparing for kindergarten without pre-k

Only 50% of US children go to preschool. Here's how you can give them preschool without actually sending them...

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100 days left in 2023

Fun ways to count down to the new year with your kids

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Ask a Teacher: Q&A with Primary Focus

🖍 Natalie from Primary Focus answers all your questions from the POV of a teacher! Natalie taught elementary school for 10 years and has seen it all. Ask your questions to get support with your child's academic growth, social emotional learning, her education opinions, and what it's like to be a

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What teachers CAN'T tell you about state tests

In elementary school, your child will encounter tests that are given 3 times a year. Here's a teacher's perspective on these tests...

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I HATE my child’s teacher (What should I do?)

Are you having issues with your child's teacher? Is your child scared of their teacher? We will walk you through what to do, how to approach this, & problem solve.

Newsletter

No Stress Test Prep

If your child is in a testing grade, especially third grade, you'll be hearing all year about the state test. I've got a few things you can find out now that you can actually stay in control of...

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3 books all rising kindergarten students should read

Is you child going to kindergarten? These are perfect books to prepare your child for kindergarten so they walk in feeling confident! Including one for homeschooling!

Newsletter

Silently Judging Your Kids

It's crucial that teachers understand your child so they can build a relationship with them and teach them everything they need to know.

Newsletter

3 tips for back to school...reader edition

Last week I asked you for your own back to school tips. Here's the top 3...

Resources & Freebies

Free Download: Easy Spelling Practice

📝 Frustrated with spelling practice? Elkonin Letter Boxes are the secret to teaching children to spell.

Newsletter

😅 3 unexpected things to expect going back to school

Back to school time is a huge transition for families. But we got you! Even though it's exhausting- we are all going through it.

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3 First Impression Behaviors From Parents That All Teachers Hate

You need to build a positive functional relationship with your child's teacher, so don't do these things! Natalie shares 3 common things parents do that unintentionally make bad impressions on teachers.

Resources & Freebies Featured

Free Download: Reset Your School Routine!

Getting into a school routine is so important. The guide shares 4 essential questions so you can think through your child's daily routine and a printable routine chart.

Newsletter

🎉 😐 A twisted win for NC Teachers...

North Carolina is a tough place to teach. NC teachers are not guaranteed​ lunch breaks​, are not paid for higher degrees. They are not allowed to unionize. And until recently, they did not have any plan for paid maternity leave.

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3 Things Parents DON'T Need To Do Before The School Year Starts | Back to School Tips

After 10 years in the classroom- all I can say is y’all are doing too much! Here’s 3 things I wish parents knew they DIDN’T HAVE TO DO to start the school year off right. Two material things and one from the heart.

Resources & Freebies

Free Download: 4 Easy Email Templates to Send the Teacher

For when you need to reach out, but don't know what to say.

Newsletter

De-influencing School Supplies

Last week I asked you to submit unnecessary school supplies. Here's some of the things companies (and your kids!) want you to impulse buy, but you do not need! 1. 📚 "Report covers, die cut letters, and fancy markers just in case they need it for a project. Wait until the

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✏️ Hacks to Save Money on School Supplies

"All that matters is that you treat me right, give me all the things I need that money can't buy." Love Don't Cost a Thing by Jennifer Lopez I hate to bring it up- but back to school time is looming. Unfortunately, this means schools and society magically expect you

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📚 Chapter Books You'll Actually Want to Read with Your Kids

"The story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now." The Story of Us by Taylor Swift Let's talk chapter books. Reading a chapter book in lower elementary school is essentially a status symbol. I remember kids that couldn't even read yet would check them out from the school

Prime Day Picks!

🟦 Prime Day Picks! I found you a few gems at the Amazon Prime Day sale Buying these in a 2nd color I already have these heels in green, but I'm getting them in cork now too. They look great dressed up or down. My alternative to leggings Sometimes I want

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3 games to prevent summer learning loss

"Why don't you slide?" Slide by The Goo Goo Dolls It’s just about that time of the summer. School has been out for about a month and the brain is starting to wonder do we really need everything in here? Children's brains prune away synapses they aren't using to

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4 Things I Miss About Being A Teacher

This vlog shares things that I miss the most about teaching that I wasn't expecting. If you've left teaching or you're thinking about quitting teaching these are good things to consider. Primary Focus was founded by a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through elementary school. We provide information that