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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

Jan 16
It's been 2 years since I quit...

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.
2 min read
Jan 09
Subtle Hints in Your Child's Report Card

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
3 min read
Jan 06
Ask an Elementary School Teacher: January Q&A with Primary Focus

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.
2 min read
Dec 21
Last minute gifts for 6 year olds

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.
2 min read
Dec 21
Last minute gifts for 5 year olds

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.
2 min read
Dec 19
🍾 5 things I'm leaving behind in 2023

🍾 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. đź©· This will be my last newsletter of 2023, so I'm going to reflect a bit here...
2 min read
Dec 16
Ask an Elementary School Teacher: December Q&A with Primary Focus

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

In the December Q&A with Primary Focus, get expert tips on managing holiday transitions, supporting academic growth, addressing behavioral challenges, and navigating school choice deadlines in Charlotte. Perfect for parents in CMS, private, and magnet school communities.
2 min read
Dec 12
Holiday Teacher Gift Guide for any budget $0-100 | Cute Christmas cards, Luxury gifts, DIY Ornaments

Holiday Teacher Gift Guide for any budget $0-100 | Cute Christmas cards, Luxury gifts, DIY Ornaments

Whether your budget is $0 or $100, Natalie has a great holiday gift for your child’s teacher or favorite school employee. From cute DIY ornament ideas to luxury gifts, there is something your child’s teacher will love.
11 min read
Dec 12
🧠 🥶 Brain Freeze! Simple ways to prevent learning loss over winter break

🧠 🥶 Brain Freeze! Simple ways to prevent learning loss over winter break

Learning loss happens to all children during long breaks from school. While summer break is the famous one, we also see it during winter breaks (or really anything 2+ weeks long). The good news is, it's a really low commitment to prevent it.
2 min read
Dec 05
đź““ What are reading behaviors?

đź““ What are reading behaviors?

The very first time a kindergarten teacher meets a child, they can learn a million things just by handing their student a book... They are looking to see if your child has reading behaviors.
2 min read
Dec 02
Elf on the Shelf in Schools, Christmas Overload, and Rejecting Holiday Traditions

Elf on the Shelf in Schools, Christmas Overload, and Rejecting Holiday Traditions

Christmas celebrations get more extravagant and expensive each year. They say it’s all for the kids…but is it? Natalie breaks down traditions from a child development standpoint to help you understand what traditions need to stay and which ones can go.
11 min read
Nov 28
3 easy, important ways to read with your children

3 easy, important ways to read with your children

When it comes to reading with your children, there's more than one way to do it. Reading in a variety of ways supports your child's reading comprehension and road to independence. The good news is, it's simple to replicate at home...whether your child can read or not.
2 min read

When You Follow Primary Focus, You’ll Finally Get:

💡 Answers to the questions no one else is explaining—like school start dates for summer birthdays or how to decode school jargon 🤝 A partnership that encourages communication with your child’s school, not conflict & 📚 Tools to support your child without stress (and without feeling like you’re doing it wrong)

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