Learn about the latest news in education and tips to help your kids thrive in elementary school. Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Primary Focus was founded by Natalie Parmenter, a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through elementary school. We provide information that is often common knowledge to teachers but is not widely known among parents. Primary Focus is dedicated to enlightening parents on all things elementary school so their children can thrive.
☠️ Beware the WORST day of the year
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Hi Reader, 💐 Hi there! Thanks for giving a few moments of your busy day to this newsletter Did you know November 1 is the worst day of the year? Well- just to teachers. The day after Halloween is a notoriously tough day in school. Kids who were out trick or treating are exhausted. They can be cranky, sleepy, or hyper from the excitement. Right now teachers everywhere are sending notes to parents begging them not to let their kids bring candy in Nov 1. Because after Halloween, teachers become the feds breaking up insider candy trading schemes left and right. 😂 Oh well, at least it's on a Friday this year! What's New?✒️ Dream Interview: This afternoon I'll be interviewing candidate for North Carolina State Superintendent Mo Green!! This is an incredibly important race that's garnered attention from CNN and Barack Obama. My goal is to get the interview up ASAP, so make sure you're subscribed to my channel with notifications turned on. Wish me luck and I hope you watch! Things I Love🇮🇳 Diwali Crafts! Diwali is this week. There are so many beautiful fun crafts you could use to teach your child about it. These cute scratch off lanterns are colorful with low mess. If you want to try Rangoli (sand art) this started kit will set you up for success (keep it for age 7 and up). ✏️ Handwriting for Big Kids: I recently tutored a third grader that needed some help with handwriting. I didn't want to patronize her with my kindergarten handwriting sheets, so I found these cute affirmation practice sheets. My favorite phrase for her to write was "you don't have to be perfect to be amazing." They are available on canva. 🐈 Karma: When I saw Taylor Swift, I needed a last minute outfit. I didn't have time to get anything together, but then I discovered amazon has a tshirt printing service. I got this very cute, soft shirt for $16.99 and danced the night away. Have a great week, and please make a plan to vote! |
Primary Focus Newsletter
Learn about the latest news in education and tips to help your kids thrive in elementary school. Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Primary Focus was founded by Natalie Parmenter, a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through elementary school. We provide information that is often common knowledge to teachers but is not widely known among parents. Primary Focus is dedicated to enlightening parents on all things elementary school so their children can thrive.
"You were in it for realShe was in her phone" Opalite by OK Go Hey Reader, This newsletter is a response to last week's newsletter. Read it here What you're saying about tech in schools: In January Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, PhD, MEd shared the results of his assessments on school data over the past 50 years to Congress. The results were astounding, suggesting that when a country's school system widely adapts technology, student test scores are impacted. Here's what some of you said in...
"Just when you think you're in control" Here it Goes Again by OK Go Hi Reader, We're doing a deep dive today. I'd love to hear your thoughts after reading this! We gotta talk about tech in schools: On January 15, 2026, congress held a hearing on the impact of screen time on kids. During the hearing Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, PhD, MEd shared the results of his assessments on school data over the past 50 years. For hundreds of years, we've counted on each generation outperforming the last in...
"So no one told life was gonna be this way" I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts Today is the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays celebrated in China, Vietnam, South/North Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Mongolia. In these countries, the world is shut down so families can celebrate together. Think Christmas or Thanksgiving. But for families living outside these countries, they have to go to work just like any other day. So if there's an...