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.
š¤« What Teachers CAN'T Tell You
"In the lane, snow is glistening"Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith & Felix Bernard Hey Reader, First newsletter of 2025, welcome to new subscribers and welcome back to long time readers! It's inclement weather season! ...the strangest time of year Some of us live on edge in the winter wondering how far you can stretch PTO and sick days for school cancellations and the constant sniffles circulating your home. You're not alone- when I was in the classroom I heard a lot of stress from families around snow days. Just because school is out doesn't mean work is canceled and life can be on hold... This Newsletter is sponsored by OK Ready, by Scholastic - the monthly book box for kindergarten readiness. Each month get three classic books with activities and conversation starters. Use this link for up to 20% off and free 2 Day shipping . Here's what teachers can't tell you about snow daysWe're Annoyed TooYes we love a snow day, but the last minute decision and scramble to adjust is hard. Many teachers have their own families that are impacted by the weather. We are empathetic for how families are affected. If the snow day requirements aren't quite working for you, reach out to the teacher to let them know. They understand "zoom school" might not work for everyone and just want to know you're going to try and make it work the best you can. It's OKToday is not the day to be a screen time hero. Put on the tv, watch an extra movie, play a video game. Sure we'd love to hear your child read an entire novel and wrote their memoir on the day off, but the day is long, attention spans are short...and you still have an important presentation at 12:30. Convenience isnāt there to create guilt- itās there to help you. It's BureaucraticVirtual learning days are about 2 things: reviewing skills & the school calendar. In most states the school calendar legally has to be 180 days. And because this is a firm law, the kids will go all 180 days except in special circumstances. Virtual school has been an amazing work around to this. Now instead of Saturday school or adding days in June, teachers can run virtual school. So unless you're stuck at home for an extended period of time, hear it from a teacher- itās ok to do the bare minimum. itās a snow day after all, so sprinkle learning in where it fits...and let your kid be a kid while they can!What's New?āļø Mugs: I had the best surprise to close out my year- a call from a reporter at Today.com (yes- from The Today Show!) I'm featured in a funny article about bad teacher gifts. š„ Coming Up: I'll be releasing quite a few videos in January and February. I'm currently working on videos to support parents in upper elementary school. I need your advice though- should I start with 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade?? Things I Loveš My new go to: My mom got me this great cheek and lip tint for Christmas. Even though my mom is cool toned and I am warm toned we both look great in the shade "pretty in neutral." It's easy to put on and doesn't fade. It instantly brightens up my face! š¶ Great Movie: My husband and I watched the movie Piece by Piece. It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I think the description sounds wild, but just trust me on this! It's a documentary Pharrell Williams made about his own life, but instead of showing the interviews (star studded!!) he animated it in the style of the Lego Movie. It's bright, it's true, the music is great, and was a really fun movie to watch. It's rated PG and I think most kids would appreciate it. Side note, I grew up in Virginia Beach and Future Records + his high school were in my neighborhood. I always heard lore of Pharrell, so it was cool to see his story come to life. Have a great week, |
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.
"I hate that I love you,I can't put nobody else above you" I Hate U, I Love U by Gnash ft Olivia O'Brien Hi Reader, Reading is an essential skill. From text messages to reading emails, adults are reading all day every day without even realizing it. That's why it can be so scary and frustrating when you realize a child doesn't like to read. Whatever you do to fix this, just know it's about the long game... Here are 5 tips to get your little one to love reading: Read Together: Reading alone...
"In the lane, snow is glistening" Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith & Felix Bernard Hey Reader, I'm smiling ear to ear today, because my viral video was featured on Unilad :) In case you were wondering, no these publications rarely reach out when making articles like this, so it was a total surprise. Have you heard of Winter Break BRAIN FREEZE? Learning loss happens to all children during long breaks from school. While summer break is the famous one, we also see it during winter breaks...
"Mama said thereād be days like this." Mama Said by The Shirelles Hi Reader, When your child gets in trouble at school, it can feel overwhelming. You hear about it secondhand and try to balance your childās version with the teacherās. Youāre managing their feelings, questioning the consequence, and juggling dinner and evening activitiesāall at once. This Newsletter is sponsored by OK Ready, by Scholastic - the monthly book box for kindergarten readiness. Use this link for up to 20% off and...