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The Parents’ Guide to Elementary School

Hi, I’m Natalie, your guide through the school system, and your partner in navigating it with confidence.

Support your child’s learning journey with real answers, expert insights, and approachable advice and strategies from someone who fosters academic growth and partnerships. That’s where I come in.

I offer clarity, context, and conversation through keynote speaking and workshops for schools, businesses, and parent groups.

Follow on Instagram, watch videos, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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I came in with little knowledge and feel more knowledgeable with immediate next steps- thank you!

Megan

I learned a lot about the magnet zones and its impact on applications. I had no idea about tracks. I walked away with a ton of new information to choose my child’s school.

Amanda

The Primary Focus Workshop is extremely informative. Natalie is engaging and answered all the questions we had. I highly recommend this workshop anyone trying to navigate schools in Charlotte.

Katy

We Cover Topics You’re Actually Worried About

Jun 25
5 Things Your Child's Teacher Needs To Know About Your Divorce

5 Things Your Child's Teacher Needs To Know About Your Divorce

Going through a divorce? Learn the 5 key things your child’s teacher needs to know to support your child at school. Practical advice for parents navigating divorce and school communication from Primary Focus.
2 min read
Jun 20
Is it bad that my child writes numbers backwards?

Is it bad that my child writes numbers backwards?

"And if it looks like this, then you're doing it right" Mambo #5 by Lou Bega
2 min read
Jun 14
The Best Way to Get Your Kids Writing (Without the Tears!)

The Best Way to Get Your Kids Writing (Without the Tears!)

Writing is one of the hardest subjects to teach. It is so complicated and for many children leads to tears
4 min read
Jun 13
🙋‍♀️ The secret to getting what your kids need

🙋‍♀️ The secret to getting what your kids need

"I've been trying hard to reach you, 'cause I don't know what to do&
2 min read
Jun 06
Improve your Child's Vocabulary

Improve your Child's Vocabulary

"I wish you well with your weapon of jargon, you've got a double-sided lexicon. I've
2 min read
May 30
A book club for kids?

A book club for kids?

"Summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowin' through the jasmine in my mind" Summer Breeze by Seals
2 min read
May 23
Kids vs Standardized Tests

Kids vs Standardized Tests

"Help me if you can, I'm feeling down" Help! by The Beatles We are inching closer
2 min read
May 16
Ask THIS before summer break

Ask THIS before summer break

"Summertime and the livin' is easy" Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald ...and famously covered by Sublime 💕 Happy belated
2 min read
May 09
🍎 3 free ways to appreciate teachers

🍎 3 free ways to appreciate teachers

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! I've got three free ideas to celebrate.
2 min read
May 02
❤️ Learning with Love & Logic

❤️ Learning with Love & Logic

Last week I told you why my students used to hate me. It all changed when I read Teaching with Love & Logic.
2 min read
Apr 25
My students used to hate me

My students used to hate me

Last week I explained intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. It may seem like one is better than the other, but from my experience in the classroom, the reality is somewhere in the middle.
3 min read
Apr 23
End of Year Gifts for Teacher Assistants | Teacher Aide | Para Professional

End of Year Gifts for Teacher Assistants | Teacher Aide | Para Professional

🖍️ In this video, Natalie compiled a list of the best gifts for teacher assistants that are sure to show your
1 min read