Videos

Ask a Teacher: Q&A with Primary Focus

🖍 Natalie from Primary Focus answers all your questions from the POV of a teacher! Natalie taught elementary school for 10 years and has seen it all. Ask your questions to get support with your child's academic growth, social emotional learning, her education opinions, and what it's

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What teachers CAN'T tell you about state tests

In elementary school, your child will encounter tests that are given 3 times a year. Here's a teacher's perspective on these tests...

Videos

I HATE my child’s teacher (What should I do?)

Are you having issues with your child's teacher? Is your child scared of their teacher? We will walk you through what to do, how to approach this, & problem solve.

Newsletter

No Stress Test Prep

If your child is in a testing grade, especially third grade, you'll be hearing all year about the state test. I've got a few things you can find out now that you can actually stay in control of...

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3 books all rising kindergarten students should read

Is you child going to kindergarten? These are perfect books to prepare your child for kindergarten so they walk in feeling confident! Including one for homeschooling!

Newsletter

Silently Judging Your Kids

It's crucial that teachers understand your child so they can build a relationship with them and teach them everything they need to know.

Newsletter

3 tips for back to school...reader edition

Last week I asked you for your own back to school tips. Here's the top 3...

Resources & Freebies

Free Download: Easy Spelling Practice

📝 Frustrated with spelling practice? Elkonin Letter Boxes are the secret to teaching children to spell.

Newsletter

😅 3 unexpected things to expect going back to school

Back to school time is a huge transition for families. But we got you! Even though it's exhausting- we are all going through it.

Videos

3 First Impression Behaviors From Parents That All Teachers Hate

You need to build a positive functional relationship with your child's teacher, so don't do these things! Natalie shares 3 common things parents do that unintentionally make bad impressions on teachers.

Resources & Freebies Featured

Free Download: Reset Your School Routine!

Getting into a school routine is so important. The guide shares 4 essential questions so you can think through your child's daily routine and a printable routine chart.

Newsletter

🎉 😐 A twisted win for NC Teachers...

North Carolina is a tough place to teach. NC teachers are not guaranteed​ lunch breaks​, are not paid for higher degrees. They are not allowed to unionize. And until recently, they did not have any plan for paid maternity leave.

Videos

3 Things Parents DON'T Need To Do Before The School Year Starts | Back to School Tips

After 10 years in the classroom- all I can say is y’all are doing too much! Here’s 3 things I wish parents knew they DIDN’T HAVE TO DO to start the school year off right. Two material things and one from the heart.

Resources & Freebies

Free Download: 4 Easy Email Templates to Send the Teacher

For when you need to reach out, but don't know what to say.

Newsletter

De-influencing School Supplies

Last week I asked you to submit unnecessary school supplies. Here's some of the things companies (and your kids!) want you to impulse buy, but you do not need! 1. 📚 "Report covers, die cut letters, and fancy markers just in case they need it for a project.

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✏️ Hacks to Save Money on School Supplies

"All that matters is that you treat me right, give me all the things I need that money can't buy." Love Don't Cost a Thing by Jennifer Lopez I hate to bring it up- but back to school time is looming. Unfortunately, this means

Newsletter

📚 Chapter Books You'll Actually Want to Read with Your Kids

"The story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now." The Story of Us by Taylor Swift Let's talk chapter books. Reading a chapter book in lower elementary school is essentially a status symbol. I remember kids that couldn't even read yet would

Prime Day Picks!

🟦 Prime Day Picks! I found you a few gems at the Amazon Prime Day sale Buying these in a 2nd color I already have these heels in green, but I'm getting them in cork now too. They look great dressed up or down. My alternative to leggings Sometimes

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3 games to prevent summer learning loss

"Why don't you slide?" Slide by The Goo Goo Dolls It’s just about that time of the summer. School has been out for about a month and the brain is starting to wonder do we really need everything in here? Children's brains prune

Videos

4 Things I Miss About Being A Teacher

This vlog shares things that I miss the most about teaching that I wasn't expecting. If you've left teaching or you're thinking about quitting teaching these are good things to consider. Primary Focus was founded by a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through

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Love them, leave them alone: encouraging independence in children

"Miss Independent, Miss Self Sufficient" Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson Yesterday I learned that parents spend double the amount of time with their children today compared to parents in the 1960s. This statistic surprised me because it's so common for both parents to work now. But,

Videos

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

Divorced? Co-parenting? Single Parent? Something more complicated? Your child’s teacher NEEDS to know! Natalie breaks down the essential information to share about your divorce to keep your child safe and thriving in elementary school. A lot of parents hide information about their parenting setup, but it can cause a

Videos

5 Tips to Stop your Kindergartener from Having Meltdowns

Is your child having meltdowns at home or in school? This video looks at what is developmentally appropriate for a 4 year old, 5 year old, or 6 year old so you can support them with techniques that work. Natalie shares 5 tips to build empathy so your child can

Newsletter

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 Today's newsletter is inspired by two subscribers that wrote in asking about number reversals. Thanks for submitting! 😊 "My child reverses numbers when they are writing. Sometimes it

Videos

The BEST Way To Get Your Kids Writing

Writing is one of the hardest subjects to teach. It is so complicated and for many children leads to tears and frustration. So how can you get your child to enjoy writing? How can your child become a confident writer? Natalie shares her secret weapon- the family journal to get