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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

Mar 27
How to Teach your Child to Color Using Skin Tone Diversity Crayons

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.
2 min read
Mar 26
What's going on with North Carolina School Vouchers?

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
2 min read
Mar 15
Interview: From The Ashes Of My Burnout with Natalie Parmenter

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.
1 min read
Mar 12
How do I teach my child to embrace other cultures?

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.
2 min read
Mar 05
🍀 3 spring holidays that aren't St Patrick's Day

🍀 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.
2 min read
Mar 02
Q&A with a Teacher: March Livestream: Rapid fire questions, about custom learning plans & consult calls

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.
4 min read
Feb 27
😰 Will my child be BULLIED for this?

😰 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

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