Newsletter

🚫 This won't fly in school:

Teachers will never let your child say this...

Videos

How to Teach your Child to Color Using Skin Tone Diversity Crayons

Is your child drawing their skin or other people’s skin the wrong color? It’s time to change that. Natalie explains how to address this with Crayola Colors of the World skin tone crayons. She walks through a self portrait project to teach your children to embrace their skin tone.

Newsletter

What's going on with North Carolina School Vouchers?

North Carolina, like many states, has been pushing school vouchers to supplement the cost of private schools. But over the last month the inequity of this program was revealed

Videos

Interview: From The Ashes Of My Burnout with Natalie Parmenter

Talking about the education, the origin of Primary Focus, and how I help parents of children in elementary school.

Newsletter

How do I teach my child to embrace other cultures?

This is exactly why multicultural education is so important. It helps us understand that people are just people- and we should see our differences as interesting and worth celebrating. The good news is, it's easy to incorporate multiculturalism into your routine.

Newsletter

🍀 3 spring holidays that aren't St Patrick's Day

Every spring there are a multitude of festivals and holidays celebrated around the world. Many of them will be observed in your own town. I picked out 3 that are really fun and more likely to have celebrations you could attend.

Videos

Q&A with a Teacher: March Livestream: Rapid fire questions, about custom learning plans & consult calls

Natalie hosts a livestream answering questions about supporting your child in elementary school, teaching, and her life.

Newsletter

😰 Will my child be BULLIED for this?

Recently, I've had a few consultation calls with parents of rising kindergartners. I've been asked this question by them and followers so many times I had to address it. Let's talk about summer babies...

Videos

Screen time: how much is too much? Interview w/ Ash Brandin @TheGamerEducator

There's a negative connotation around children and screen time. But does there have to be? This interview will reframe how you think about the way children interact with video games.

Newsletter

Hack: Kids Mental Health Meets Reading

When reading fiction with your child there's one reading comprehension question you should always be asking. How is the character feeling right now?

Newsletter

that feeling in your gut

Have you ever had that feeling in your gut...like something is wrong? Maybe it's happened with your child. You have concerns with their learning, or a teacher's advice doesn't seem to fit what you needed. That's why I started Primary Focus.

Videos

Ask an Elementary School Teacher: February Q&A with Primary Focus

Get expert answers in the February Q&A with Primary Focus. Learn how to support your child's social, emotional, and academic growth, navigate school transitions, and communicate effectively with teachers. Ideal for families exploring CMS, private, and magnet schools in Charlotte.

Newsletter

Homework ruins my day!

Is homework time stressful? Take these tips from a teacher encourage your child to work independently, ask for help without whining, and be time efficient.

Newsletter

3 Signs your Child Needs a Tutor

It's incredible the amount of support a tutor can give...but how do you know it's time to hire one?

Videos

Valentine's Day Teacher Gift Guide

Whether your budget is $0 or $10, Natalie has a great Valentine's Day gift for your child’s teacher or favorite school support staff member.

Newsletter

February packs a punch!

This Thursday begins the shortest longest month of the year for preschool and lower elementary school teachers. If this is your first year with your child in school, buckle up! There's so much going on in February!

Newsletter

5 Ways the School May be Able to Help in Your Divorce

A lot of families experience divorce or separation. Most schools and teachers are well practiced in supporting students through this transition. Take advantage of all the ways the school can help you!

Newsletter

If you hate writing emails, this is for you

Have you ever had to write a difficult email to your child's teacher? Did it fill you with anxiety? I've got three tips for you to make writing that email go a lot smoother.

Videos

Vlog: I Quit Teaching 2 Year Update

2 years ago this week I decided to resign from teaching. In that time I've had my work stolen, was mentored by Chelsea Fagan, and completely lost and found myself. I know myself better now than I ever thought I would, but only because of the challenges I faced the past two years.

Newsletter

It's been 2 years since I quit...

I'm taking a step away from my typical content to get a little personal today. Last week marked 2 years since I decided to resign from teaching. I'm sharing 3 Lessons I've Learned Since I Quit Teaching.

Newsletter

Subtle Hints in Your Child's Report Card

There's a specific style teachers use to write report cards, but you only know if you know. Learn how teachers write report card comments to look for subtle clues if your child is succeeding or...not

Videos

Ask an Elementary School Teacher: January Q&A with Primary Focus

Gain insights from an experienced teacher in the January Q&A with Primary Focus. Learn strategies to support students with disabilities, interpret teacher feedback, and understand the challenges educators face. Empower your child's educational journey with expert advice.

Newsletter

Last minute gifts for 6 year olds

Need a last minute gift for a 6 year old? This list has budget friendly gifts that children this age will actually want.

Newsletter

Last minute gifts for 5 year olds

Need a last minute gift for a 5 year old? This list has budget friendly gifts that children this age will actually want.

Newsletter

🍾 5 things I'm leaving behind in 2023

In one of the most hectic times of year, I just want to say thank you for opening this newsletter. I really appreciate your support. 🩷 This will be my last newsletter of 2023, so I'm going to reflect a bit here...