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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 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
Apr 18
How do you motivate kids?

How do you motivate kids?

There's a lot of philosophies out there about how to motivate children. So whether you're team #gentleparenting, teaching with love and logic, or just winging it day to day all these approaches come back to one debate: Should we use intrinsic or extrinsic motivation?
2 min read
Apr 16
3 Surprising Ways My Life Has Changed Since I Quit Teaching: Former Teacher Vlog

3 Surprising Ways My Life Has Changed Since I Quit Teaching: Former Teacher Vlog

It was a really hard decision to leave teaching...so was it worth it? In this video I share 3 surprising ways my life is different that I think others teachers could relate to.
11 min read
Apr 11
💐 Spring Fever

💐 Spring Fever

Spring is here and soon most children in America will be waltzing back into school from spring break. Suddenly the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and just like that spring fever is here!
2 min read