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.
✅ Winter Break Learning Hacks
"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 (or really anything 2+ weeks long). The good news? It's surprisingly easy to prevent. Here's how: MemorizationFocus on anything your child needs to memorize, like sight words, multiplication facts, counting, or spelling words. Reviewing these for just a few minutes every day can make a huge difference. Try making it fun with flashcards, apps, or games that incorporate these skills. Ask visitors to practice with your kids as a fun way to bond. ReadingEncourage your child to read for 20 minutes daily—bedtime stories absolutely count! Consistent reading, whether it’s a picture book, chapter book, or comic strip, helps maintain literacy skills and fosters a love for books. Tools like OK Ready can also support comprehension and track progress for younger readers and make it simple for parents. Critical ThinkingPlan activities that naturally encourage problem-solving and reflection. Museums, nature walks, and historical sites are perfect options. While you're there, have meaningful conversations. Many places offer brochures with pre-made questions or facts to guide discussions and spark curiosity. Cheat Code: The WorkbookThis was my secret weapon when I was teaching! Think Stretch offers fantastic winter break packets for K-5 students that keep kids engaged. If your child needs extra motivation, consider offering a small prize for completing the workbook. Bonus: These packets often include a mix of math, reading, and writing activities, so it’s an all-in-one solution. Remember, even a small effort over the break can help your child return to school ready to succeed! What's New?🎥 Gift Guides!: Check out my annual Holiday Teacher Gift Guide. This year I rounded up the top 5 gifts $0-25 for teachers. Stay tuned for my last video of the year coming out later this week...the Banned Book Gift Guide ❤️🩹 A tragedy: Yesterday a school shooting occurred in Madison, WI. We are still learning the details of what happened, but my heart goes out to all impacted. There are so many systems broken that would allow a child to bring a gun to school, and we are stuck in a pattern with this nightmare happening again and again. Once again I'll be donating to Every Town, a group that advocates for gun safety in the United States, and I'll be checking records of those I vote for. May this nightmare stay in 2024. Things I Love🎄 Stocking Stuffers for Tweens!
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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.
Hi Reader, 🇺🇸 Nothing says The Fourth of July like the Supreme Court deciding all their cases before summer recess! This year there was a lot of discussion around education. I broke down 4 important cases so you can understand how this will impact your child in school. Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond (Religious Charter Schools) What happened?Oklahoma’s virtual charter board approved St. Isidore of Seville, a Catholic virtual school, to receive state funding: a first in...
"Wasting the day away..." Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet 🔥 New Dates! Come to the Kindergarten School Talk Workshop Mon July 14 or Weds July 16. Early Bird Discount Expires Monday! Code: EARLY10 Sign up here Hey Reader, Imagine your child ended third grade knowing all their times tables. They worked so hard and aced their multiplication quizzes each week. But then... when they return after summer break they are suddenly struggling in math. Their new fourth grade teacher sends home a note...
"Out for summer, out 'til fallWe might not come back at all" School's Out by Alice Cooper 😭😭😭 My June workshop sold out! Thank you so much for buying tickets and spreading the word. I've added a second date Mon June 23. Get your tickets here- save $5 with code FRIENDS5EVER Hi Reader, The end of the school year is a big deal. It marks growth, effort, and a whole lot of learning (in and out of the classroom!). But let’s be honest: it’s also a really busy time. I'm sharing 5 simple, repeatable...