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.
What's Wrong With Extra Recess?
"Slow down, you crazy childYou're so ambitious for a juvenile"Vienna by Billy Joel 🍎 Virtual School Talk Workshop tomorrow! Watch live or get the recording after, save $5 with code FRIENDS5EVER Hi Reader, I need to pull a lesson from my teacher book this week... You see, it's Tuesday and I'm already exhausted (raise your hand if you agree!) I've signed myself up for a week of incredible achievements for Primary Focus...but having it all hit in the same week (and during Daylight Savings) has been a lot. I already feel my energy is ZAPPED And Reader, I know you're feeling this way too... So let's take some advice from Ms. Parmenter (that was my teacher name!) What would she tell one of her elementary school babies that was doing too much? 😴 I'd call you mom and suggest you go to bed earlier: On the weeks we are doing the most it feels harder to get to bed early, but sleep is essential for brain power. You might not get everything done, but you'll avoid careless mistakes. 🙆 We'd stretch during morning meeting: Your body is working on overdrive. Stretching will force you off your laptop. You'll reconnect with your body and help your poor sore neck. Ms. Parmenter thinks we should build in a stretch in the morning and 2-3 more times during your work day. 🛝 5 extra minutes at recess: Go outside. The days are getting shorter, so build in intentional time outdoors! I challenge you to get off zoom, pick up your phone, and have a walking meeting instead. 📝 We're skipping the spelling test: If you've got huge challenges coming up, cancel the little things. There are certainly things on your list that can wait til next week. You need to build in buffer time after challenging events to let your brain rest. What's keeping you busy this week? Respond to this email to share! What's New?🐰 Pop Up: I'll be hosting a mini version of the Kindergarten School Talk Workshop TOMORROW at The Bunny Hive. If you're a few years out from kindergarten, but still interested, this is a great, low priced taste of the workshop. $15 for guests / $10 for Bunny Hive Members. Littles are welcome to attend. 💻 Virtual Workshop: Looking at elementary schools in Charlotte, NC? Come to the virtual School Talk workshop 11/5. You'll fill out a survey so we can look at schools you're most interested in. 📚 Story Time: Come by for a cozy, cute story time this Friday 11/7 at Betty by Moxie in Plaza Midwood. 9:30 - 10am Things I Love📚 Holds Everything: I have a OT of hair, so many hair clips just don't do the trip. I love Kaxi's "holds everything" line. I use the lay down clip. They have several styles of clip and dozens of colors. ☕️ So Cozy: This time of year I always have cozy candles burning. My favorite candle company is Swan Creek Candles. Their smells are so good and you get a lot of candle for the price. Right now as I write this, I'm burning Vanilla Pound Cake 🤣 🐄 Dumb, entertaining game: One of my second grade tutoring buddies told me about her new fav game. Magnetic cows on headbands? You have to see it to understand. Needless to say she had hours of entertainment playing this. |
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.
"A white blank page and a swelling rage" White Blank Page by Mumford & Sons Hey Reader, I'm delighted with how many Hoosiers responded to last week's newsletter. It was a win we all needed! Kids vs Computers With the advancement of computers and developing of AI it is getting harder and harder to teach kids people to think for themselves. I get a little dopamine rush every time I can google the answer to a burning question. A thrill when ChatGPT can spit out a first draft. But I also see how...
"Gloriana, FrangipanaE'er to her be trueShe's the pride of IndianaHail to old IU" Hail to Old IU by Indiana University's Alma Mater & Fight Song Hello Reader, Ok ok, before we dive into today's topic let me explain. I'm the type of person that is deeply disinterested in sports....but you'll also find me sobbing at an underdog sports story. The past few years I've become deeply connected with Indiana University. My grandfather was a professor there for most of his career. Since he passed away...
"Let's get on the same page,Stop making me read between the lines" Man I Need by Olivia Dean Hello Reader, There are so many different approaches to teaching. There are endless styles of schooling to guide learners to be knowledgable, curious, responsible, leaders in the classroom. Though each style from Montessori to IB claim they are the best, the truth is, there's no one perfect way to learn. Teaching is a science- and so far we have more theories on best practice than facts. Since this is...