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.
"I keep my side of the street clean, you wouldn't know what I mean" Karma by Taylor Swift Hi Reader, Today I'm going to type out a lesson for kids that I'm still grappling with as an adult... What does respect look like, and how tangled is that with being nice? Any kiddo that's ever copped an attitude, talked back, or had a meltdown has faced the same question. How far do we stretch our decorum for something we don't respect? How do we respect something we hate? And when can we question what...
"I hate that I love you,I can't put nobody else above you" I Hate U, I Love U by Gnash ft Olivia O'Brien Hi Reader, Reading is an essential skill. From text messages to reading emails, adults are reading all day every day without even realizing it. That's why it can be so scary and frustrating when you realize a child doesn't like to read. Whatever you do to fix this, just know it's about the long game... Here are 5 tips to get your little one to love reading: Read Together: Reading alone...
"In the lane, snow is glistening" Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith & Felix Bernard Hey Reader, First newsletter of 2025, welcome to new subscribers and welcome back to long time readers! It's inclement weather season! ...the strangest time of year Some of us live on edge in the winter wondering how far you can stretch PTO and sick days for school cancellations and the constant sniffles circulating your home. You're not alone- when I was in the classroom I heard a lot of stress from...