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The Parentsโ€™ Guide to Elementary School

Hi, Iโ€™m Natalie, your guide through the school system, and your partner in navigating it with confidence.

Support your childโ€™s learning journey with real answers, expert insights, and approachable advice and strategies from someone who fosters academic growth and partnerships. Thatโ€™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 childโ€™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 Youโ€™re Actually Worried About

Aug 26
All the baby farm animals!

All the baby farm animals!

Today Miss Natalie is at A Zoo 2 You! They are a mobile petting zoo company, they will set up
1 min read
Aug 16
Published ๐Ÿ˜Š

Published ๐Ÿ˜Š

I published an article! Since I was in grad school it's been a goal to publish an article on education.
1 min read
Aug 09
Ain't no hollaback girl ๐ŸŒ phonics #5

Ain't no hollaback girl ๐ŸŒ phonics #5

Phonics is hard work to teach, but as your child's skills grow, it can actually be really fun.
1 min read
Aug 04
Why I Quit Teaching - North Carolina teacher vlog

Why I Quit Teaching - North Carolina teacher vlog

Deciding to leave my job was a hard decision- this vlog shares how I decided to leave and how I
1 min read
Aug 02
...but why is it spelled like that? phonics #4

...but why is it spelled like that? phonics #4

Teaching a child to spell starts off simple (cat, dog, etc.), but quickly gets challenging
2 min read
Jul 26
a, e, i, o, u and sometimes... phonics #3

a, e, i, o, u and sometimes... phonics #3

These five little letters a, e, i, o, u may seem straight forward, they often take the longest time to teach and learn.
2 min read
Jul 19
What are Letter Boxes? Phonics series #2

What are Letter Boxes? Phonics series #2

With a little nudge, any new speller can sound out the word pen โœ๏ธ Elkonin Letter Boxes are a tool used to spell CVC words (consonant vowel consonant). They are a tool used to break down the sounds in a word.
2 min read
Jul 18
How I Teach Spelling - Using Elkonin Letter Boxes to teach your child to spell

How I Teach Spelling โ€” Using Elkonin Letter Boxes to Teach Your Child to Spell

Learn how Elkonin Letter Boxes help kids master spelling by breaking words into sounds. This hands-on phonics strategy builds confidence and strong literacy skills. Discover step-by-step tips on PrimaryFocus.tv to support your child's reading and spelling journey.
3 min read
Jul 12
Let's talk phonics... #1

Let's talk phonics... #1

Over the next 5 weeks I'll share a series on phonics- here's the first one. Phonics simply means the method used to teach reading and writing. It's for languages with an alphabet- like English and it's not for the faint of heart.
2 min read
Jun 28
A new beginning

A new beginning

I resigned: Until recently, I thought I would teach for my entire career. I felt sad and defeated as I packed up my classroom, but I knew "it's about damn time."
2 min read
Jun 23
I resigned from teaching...a message from a teacher's broken heart

I resigned from teaching...a message from a teacher's broken heart

I resigned. Before I say another word, I need you to know that I love teaching. I feel like I
3 min read
Jun 21
No more negotiating!

No more negotiating!

As the adults in the room, we are the ones who have to teach kids when to stop trying and accept no for an answer.
1 min read