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.
"And what it all comes down to, is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet" Hand In My Pocket by Alanis Morisette 🎉 Welcome to my 15 new subscribers! It was so great meeting you all in the community last week Hi Reader, As a business owner I've been deep in thought about the struggle. Q1 is ending and I'm reflecting on the goals I did and didn't meet...but let's be real, mostly on the ones I didn't meet 😖 Last week I picked my anxious self off the floor and made a few calls asking for...
"You never say hey, or remember my name, and it's probably 'cause you think you're cooler than me" Cooler Than Me by Mike Posner Hi Reader, Tomorrow I'll release my favorite advice for families of 4th graders. In the video, I answered questions submitted by you. Here's one question that felt so relatable: Question 1: My child is definitely acting like a tween. I notice some tension when friends come over. She still wants to play with toys. Some of her friends will join in, while others seem a...
"We both got fired on exactly the same dayWell, we'll float on, good news is on the way" Float On by Modest Mouse Hi Reader, Every so often, I shift the newsletter’s focus to major education news—because whether you’re a parent or an educator, these decisions affect you. Education doesn’t always make headlines, but the policies being made today will shape classrooms, students, and opportunities for years to come. Hired to be fired... Linda McMahon has officially been confirmed as the new...