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. β What's New?π 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. π 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 LoveποΈ 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. π¦ 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. π 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 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.
"When you try your best, but you don't succeedWhen you get what you want, but not what you need" Fix You by Coldplay π Tomorrow! The Virtual Kindergarten School Talk Workshop. If you're touring schools this fall, then this workshop will set you up for success. Attend live or get the replay Hi Reader! It's Mid September which probably means you're starting to figure out what's going to be a problem this school year. Maybe you're feeling "blah" about your child's teacher, perhaps the new...
"Pour myself a cup of ambition" 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton Hey Reader! September has been a hard reset for me. I was running on empty the past two months. Did I have fun? yes Did I go to bed on time? no comment By the end of August, I caught myself constantly saying "I just need to get my ducks in a row..." β I've got the ducks, π« but they are not in a row On September 1, I got out pencil and paper and wrote down everything in my head. All my goals, my to do's, my ideas. Then I organized it into...
Hey Reader! Let's Talk School Tours π« If youβve ever walked out of your third school tour in a week trying to remember which campus had the 8:00 AM drop off, the STEM lab, or the Montessori setup- you're definitely not alone. Trying to juggle crumpled brochures, random notes apps, and looming application deadlines is an absolute headache. Thatβs why I finally put together the exact system I wish existed: The School Tour Tracker. Itβs a simple, customizable Google Sheets template built...