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.
Use it or Lose it!
"You own it, you better never let it go"Lose Yourself by Eminem Hi Reader, A child's brain goes through a special process called pruning. The same way you may prune a plant, a child's brain prunes synapses that it is not using (synaptic pruning). This is because children learn so much at such a fast pace, it must make room for the newest and most relevant information. This process occurs through your twenties. Why am I telling you this? When you child is on long breaks from school, they are at risk of having academic information pruned. This is called summer learning loss and children can lose up to 6 months of academic growth over summer break (average is 2-3 months). The good news is: you can prevent it! Review for 10-30 minutes daily with your child. They don't need to lay eyes on everything they did at school, but ensure you touch on all subjects. You want your child's brain to know math is still relevant. Use flashcards, workbooks, and educational apps. Take advantage of day camps and library programming. Want to learn more? Check out my video on preventing summer slide here. What's New?📚 Banned Books: I need your help! I'm working on my next Banned Book Video. I'm featuring books that school districts around the country tried to ban in the 2023-24 school year. If you know of one please respond to this email with the book, reasoning, and any news articles or proof. 💕 True Love: A big congratulations to my brother, Chris, and my new sister in law, Antonia! They got married last week, and I couldn't be happier for them. Things I Love🏖️ best beach game: It's Spike Ball season! This fun game has a cult following (seriously- look up tournaments!). I love playing at the beach. A few years ago a teacher at my school brought it out for recess and the kids loved it. Great game for all ages and so easy to play. 🦄 believe: I've got another great early chapter book rec for you: Unicorn Academy. This is a great series with 12 books that will indulge any believer in unicorns. A child in about first grade and up could understand, and a 3rd grader and up could read independently. 📖 beautiful: speaking of magical books, I just finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. This best seller is like a grown up Tuck Everlasting following a woman who's been cursed with an endless life. It's philosophical, historical, and so unique. What are you reading lately? Respond to this email with your current read, or a banned book 📚 |
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.
"Would you love me if I was down and out?" 21 Questions by 50 Cent Hey Reader, 💡 School Talk Workshop is Back! Find the RIGHT SCHOOL for your child in Charlotte, NC. Save $10 using code EARLY10 On the search for the right elementary or middle school? You'll need to ask questions to make sure it's the right fit for your child. Asking these questions can make or break your interest in school. Your child will be there 8 hours a day, 5 days a week so you want to ensure you understand how they...
"If I'm shining, everybody's gonna shine" Juice by Lizzo Hello Hello Reader, Today we've got a snippet of a guest article written by Jenna, founder of @holdingspacemontessori She's good friend and resource for all things Montessori. The full article is on my website. ENDING SOON: BUY 2 GET 1 FREE FOR LIFE. This newsletter is brought to you by Llama Naturals. Named Healthline's best vitamin for kids. Save 15% off your order (every time!) using code PRIMARYFOCUS What are Montessori Elementary...
"Let me see what Spring is like on Jupiter and Mars" Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra Spring is almost here (March 20!) Reader, Spring is a beautiful time of year celebrated by cultures all over the world. Celebrations take form as the new year, tales of good triumphing over evil, and agriculture. Many of them will be observed in your own town. I picked out 5 festivals you could probably attend in your city. After you read this, just search name of festival + your city + kids This...