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. โ What's New?๐ 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. ๐ 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 Love๐๏ธ 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. ๐ฆ 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. ๐ 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 ๐ |
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.
"Make me see I'm capable and fine" Dive by Olivia Dean (I love this song!) โ๏ธ Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon! Get Ready for Kindergarten Workshop 5/14 CODE: EARLYBIRD5 Hi Reader, Why Donโt Kids Skip Grades Anymore? Itโs not that it never happens... But itโs much rarer than it used to be. Hereโs why: School is about more than just academics Emotional maturity matters just as much as reading level. It's important we give kids a safe place to learn before we send them off into the real world....
Hi Friend! I've got my first in person workshop coming up this Friday 4/11 and I'd love to see you there. Here's why you should come: You'll know what questions to ask when touring schools You'll learn low/ no effort tricks to teach your child at home You'll learn how to make your clingy child feel confident walking into kindergarten Plus, I'll send you a survey beforehand, so you can share everything you're wondering about education. It will be personalized to your needs. We'll cover it all...
"And all the love alive in meI'll stand as tall as the tallest tree" I'm Here by Cynthia Erivo from The Color Purple โ๏ธ There are still tickets left for the kindergarten workshop this Friday! Hi Reader, Does this sound familiar? I'm worried my child doesn't know his letters My child was born in August, should we start kindergarten "early" or "late?" Should we look at private schools? We got accepted to a magnet school 5 miles away, is it worth it? My child can't read yet, will she be behind...