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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 18
Use it or Lose it! Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Use it or Lose it! Prevent Summer Learning Loss

The same way you may prune a plant, a child's brain prunes synapses that it is not using (synaptic pruning). Learn to prevent summer learning loss with these easy tips!
1 min read
Jun 11
Routines to Prepare your Child for Middle School

Routines to Prepare your Child for Middle School

So, you have a rising middle schooler? Whether your child is starting middle school now, or in a few years. Here are some things to consider...
1 min read
Jun 04
Reflection: 2 Years Since I Quit Teaching

Reflection: 2 Years Since I Quit Teaching

❤️‍🩹 My first year out of the classroom was for healing 🪴 My second year was for growing
1 min read
May 31
When it comes to kindergarten, Independence is everything

When it comes to kindergarten, Independence is everything

Independence is not a natural thing, the good news is that it's not rocket science to teach it. Here are 3 simple ways to build independence at home...
1 min read
May 30
Do Kids HAVE to go to preschool?

Do Kids HAVE to go to preschool?

People ask me, should I send my child to preschool? Preschool can be a great experience for children, but it's not a viable option for all families.
1 min read
May 20
What's Summer Learning Loss?

What's Summer Learning Loss?

This is a time of year teachers dread: summer break. Over the course of 2 months, children can lose up to 6 months of learning. This is called summer learning loss aka summer slide.
2 min read
May 16
May Livestream

May Livestream

Natalie, 10 year teacher and founder of Primary Focus: The Parent’s Guide to Elementary School answers your questions.
1 min read
May 14
My child failed a test we thought they'd ace

My child failed a test we thought they'd ace

I had an interesting conversation with a parent the other day. Their first grader was doing well in school all year, no signs for concern. Two weeks ago, they took their NWEA/ MAPs test and BOMBED IT.
2 min read
May 10
End of Year Summer Teacher Gift Guide: DIY Card, Easy Gift Ideas | Can you give a teacher alcohol?

End of Year Summer Teacher Gift Guide: DIY Card, Easy Gift Ideas | Can you give a teacher alcohol?

Natalie shares easy and thoughtful teacher gift ideas for the end of the school year. Appreciate your favorite teacher with an easy DIY Card, a Summer Road Trip Kit great for the class gift from all parents, unique gift ideas, and budget gifts.
9 min read
May 07
😴 Do kids still NAP in kindergarten?

😴 Do kids still NAP in kindergarten?

Kindergarten is much more rigorous than it was when we were kids. Once upon a time, kids went to half day kindergarten and it looked a lot more like preschool...but has everything changed?
1 min read
May 04
Teacher Reacts: State Tests RUINED school for children | The Problem with Standardized Testing

Teacher Reacts: State Tests RUINED school for children | The Problem with Standardized Testing

The pressure of standardized testing on elementary school students has gone to an extreme. We are testing for the sake of testing which is leaving young children too anxious to go to school. Natalie gives advice to parents on how they can support their children without pressuring them.
13 min read
Apr 27
Interview with ADHDDude Ryan Does My Child Have ADHD? Diagnosing and Best ADHD Treatment for Kids

Interview with ADHDDude Ryan Does My Child Have ADHD? Diagnosing and Best ADHD Treatment for Kids

Natalie interviews ADHDDude Ryan Wexelblatt on the best ways to diagnose, treat, and support child with ADHD in elementary school. This is a great guide for parents wondering if your child has ADHD or if you're always looking for the top treatments and ways to support your child.
20 min read

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