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.
🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from Primary Focus 🧡
"The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow"Over the River and Through the Woods by Lydia Maria Child (Yes- this is a Thanksgiving song!) Hi Reader, This Thanksgiving I'm feeling especially thankful for YOU. Thank you for being a part of the Primary Focus community! Some of you I've met through workshops, calls, conferences, coursework, and social media. Others I haven't met (yet!) but your interest and support means so much. Something Special for Your Kids: If you've been keeping up, then you know I've been live streaming lessons for kids aged 4-7 every morning. This is to support kids impacted by CBP / ICE raids in North Carolina. I will continue to share special Thanksgiving lessons through Friday. I hope your kiddo can watch- I've planned special Thanksgiving activities for the rest of the week. Something Special for the Community: I'm also fundraising to support the Carolina Migrant Network (they provide free immigration legal services) and an anonymous neighborhood association in Charlotte (rent support and groceries for those impacted by the raids). We are just shy of $600- can you donate today? Share Something What's making you smile this week? Are you celebrating Thanksgiving? Reconnecting with family? Respond to this email to share! I'd love to hear from you :) What's New?🧡 Little Focus: The Little Focus Livestream has brought me so much joy the past two weeks. It feels wonderful to teach again. It's been featured on the news here and here. I have about 30 families consistently joining. Will you donate to support the Carolina Migrant Network and the Charlotte community? 😴 Laying Low: This Thanksgiving I will be enjoying the day with my husband and a few friends in Charlotte. We ordered a turkey from Mac's Speed Shop (amazing BBQ) and bread from Verdant Bread. We will see family in December, so it felt right to spend a nice weekend at home to unplug. Things I LoveFriends, I'm sure you have a lot of things on your list to shop this weekend. If you make an order at Target, Amazon, Walmart, or Nordstrom will you use one of these links to shop? And other than that if you're shopping for gifts- I challenge you to buy 1 local gift per person! Small businesses need your support more than ever! Be kind to yourself- Happy Thanksgiving! |
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.
"A white blank page and a swelling rage" White Blank Page by Mumford & Sons Hey Reader, I'm delighted with how many Hoosiers responded to last week's newsletter. It was a win we all needed! Kids vs Computers With the advancement of computers and developing of AI it is getting harder and harder to teach kids people to think for themselves. I get a little dopamine rush every time I can google the answer to a burning question. A thrill when ChatGPT can spit out a first draft. But I also see how...
"Gloriana, FrangipanaE'er to her be trueShe's the pride of IndianaHail to old IU" Hail to Old IU by Indiana University's Alma Mater & Fight Song Hello Reader, Ok ok, before we dive into today's topic let me explain. I'm the type of person that is deeply disinterested in sports....but you'll also find me sobbing at an underdog sports story. The past few years I've become deeply connected with Indiana University. My grandfather was a professor there for most of his career. Since he passed away...
"Let's get on the same page,Stop making me read between the lines" Man I Need by Olivia Dean Hello Reader, There are so many different approaches to teaching. There are endless styles of schooling to guide learners to be knowledgable, curious, responsible, leaders in the classroom. Though each style from Montessori to IB claim they are the best, the truth is, there's no one perfect way to learn. Teaching is a science- and so far we have more theories on best practice than facts. Since this is...