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.
β I'm bad at math
"The things I was taught only took me so far, had to figure the rest out for myself"Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves Hi Reader! I was inspired by a recent article by Gene Fashaw on EdSurge on using a growth mindset to help students with math. I connected with it because as a child I deeply believed I was naturally bad at math. It wasn't until I went to college to study education that I realized some misconceptions in elementary school prevented me from excelling in math. I don't want the next generation to internalize these beliefs! Boosting Math Confidence with a Growth Mindset π
Encouraging a growth mindset helps students see challenges as opportunities and builds their confidence over time! How do you use these techniques during homework time? What's New?ποΈ To all my preschool families: Thinking about kindergarten? π Our "Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten" course is up, and you can grab it at a special early bird price of $149! π Sign up to get all the tips and tricks to set your child up for a happy transition to kindergarten. ποΈ Last beach days: Last weekend I snuck off to the beach with some long time friends. My friend Jackie (hi!) even flew to South Carolina from Los Angeles for the weekend. It was great to soak up the last bits of summer. Things I Loveπͺ the fairest of them all: Mike and I are upgrading our powder room. We replaced the standard mirror with this gorgeous, gold arched mirror. We have the full length version in the living room as well to tie it in. I can't wait to see everything installed! π That's Grape!: For those of you with grape and cherry tomatoes lovers in your home, I have a great tool for you. This OXO Grape Cutter will half grapes safely and quickly. Awesome if you have toddlers or if you love throwing cherry tomatoes in recipes. π Cozy + Cute: I picked up this long sleeve henley style top last week and I might need to get it in every color. Cute, warm, a little bit stretchy I think I'll wear it a lot this fall! Be kind to yourself π |
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.
"There's always gonna be another mountainI'm always gonna wanna make it move" The Climb by Miley Cyrus Hi Reader, Yesterday I was tutoring one of my fourth grade students, when she started to cry. To me it came out of nowhere, but to her it came from deep frustration. You see, we'd just had a HUGE win. Each week we start tutoring with 4 minutes of free writing time. She was really excited to write, so I quietly stopped the clock and she doubled her writing time to 8 minutes! She excitedly...
"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...
"And when the sun dips out of sight We'll cozy up together by the fireside" It Snowed by Meaghan Smith πΊπΈ Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to those who served! Hi Reader, November is a unique month because there are a ton of days off school. Despite this, you'll still have to work many of those days (either at the office OR on a huge Thanksgiving meal). But with the weather cooling off (who got snow last night?) and season of winter crafts beginning, you'll need to get creative to keep your...