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.
"do I wear you out?" All I Really Want by Alanis Morrisette (I've been listening to this album and it's still so good!) Let me be real Reader, I'm so burned out right now. I reallllllllly overdid it this summer. During work hours, I went all in creating The K Delay. It's consumed every second of my work day since May...and will for the time being. When you create something you're passionate about, it consumes you. It's hard to let go. After work, I went all in for my community. Family...
"you're so mature for your age" Mature by Hilary Duff How is it mid August Reader?! i want to flash back to "back to school 1995" think the 101 Dalmatians backpack, a frito-lays snack pack in your lunchbox, and... little Natalie marching into kindergarten a month shy of her 5th birthday some are just born fabulous Yeah- you've got that right, I started kindergarten at age 4! This was a BIG conversation for my parents. Especially since my godbrother, born two weeks apart from me, delayed his...
Hi Reader, This is a special edition newsletter for folks interested in school news from Charlotte, NC. If you don't want to receive special edition newsletters anymore click here (you'll still receive regular newsletters) A busy month You'd think news would slow down once school was out, but it's been a busy month for Charlotte Education Policy! Since things have been moving at the speed of light, I wrote a round up to keep you up to date. Superintendent Suspended? Dr. Crystal Hill...