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The Parentsā€™ Guide to Elementary School

Hi, Iā€™m Natalieā€”your guide through the school system, and your partner in navigating it with confidence.

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

Feb 27
šŸ˜° Will my child be BULLIED for this?

šŸ˜° 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...
2 min read
Feb 24
Screen time: how much is too much? Interview w/ Ash Brandin @TheGamerEducator

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.
28 min read
Feb 20
Hack: Kids Mental Health Meets Reading

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?
2 min read
Feb 13
that feeling in your gut

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.
2 min read
Feb 10
Ask an Elementary School Teacher: February Q&A with Primary Focus

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.
2 min read
Feb 06
Homework ruins my day!

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.
2 min read
Feb 05
3 Signs your Child Needs a Tutor

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?
1 min read
Feb 02
Valentine's Day Teacher Gift Guide

Valentine's Day Teacher Gift Guide

Whether your budget is $0 or $10, Natalie has a great Valentine's Day gift for your childā€™s teacher or favorite school support staff member.
8 min read
Jan 30
February packs a punch!

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!
2 min read
Jan 26
5 Ways the School May be Able to Help in Your Divorce

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!
1 min read
Jan 23
If you hate writing emails, this is for you

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.
2 min read
Jan 20
Vlog: I Quit Teaching 2 Year Update

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.
20 min read

When You Follow Primary Focus, Youā€™ll Finally Get:

šŸ’” Answers to the questions no one else is explainingā€”like school start dates for summer birthdays or how to decode school jargon šŸ¤ A partnership that encourages communication with your childā€™s school, not conflict & šŸ“š Tools to support your child without stress (and without feeling like youā€™re doing it wrong)

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